Kidnappers who abducted residents of the Ariko community in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Easter Sunday have demanded a ransom of 1 billion naira for the release of the victims.

The attack, which occurred on Easter Sunday, left several residents dead and many others kidnapped, plunging the community into mourning and fear.

In a statement released on Monday, signed by the Chairman of the Concerned Ariko Youth group, Linus Audu, and the Secretary, Kefas Likita, the group noted that the victims included vulnerable members of the community, such as two elderly blind men, women, children, and entire families.

The statement said, “In the course of what should have been a solemn period of worship and reflection, armed bandits invaded our community, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and the abduction of several residents.

“Among those kidnapped are two elderly blind men, two women whose husbands were killed during the attack along with their children, several young children, two critically ill women, and entire families comprising husbands, wives, and their children.

“This incident has plunged the community into grief, fear, and uncertainty, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

“The situation is further worsened by the demand of an outrageous ransom of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) by the perpetrators, an amount far beyond the reach of this rural community. It is neither reasonable nor humane to expect affected families, already devastated by loss and trauma, to meet such a demand.

“We wish to state unequivocally that the security and welfare of citizens are the primary responsibility of government, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The continued captivity of these innocent individuals represents a gross violation of their fundamental human rights, including their right to life, dignity, and personal liberty.”

The group called on the Kachia local government authority to urgently collaborate with security agencies and provide immediate support to the affected families.

They also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to deploy adequate security measures to ensure the safe rescue of the victims, and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling banditry across the country.

“We urge swift, transparent, and effective action to rescue the abducted victims unconditionally and bring the perpetrators to justice. Continued delay will only deepen the suffering of affected families and erode public confidence,” the statement added.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Concerned Ariko Youths, the group described the incident as a tragic assault on innocent worshippers during a solemn period of reflection.

“Among those abducted are two elderly blind men, two women whose husbands were killed during the attack alongside their children, several young children, two critically ill women, and entire families,” the statement added.

The youth group noted that the incident had created a humanitarian crisis in the community, with families left traumatised and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones. (Daily Sun)