Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area, have raised concerns over the continued captivity of 32 villagers, abducted by suspected bandits more than a month ago.
According to community members, the kidnappers have demanded ₦30 million and four motorcycles as ransom for the release of the victims.
The villagers were reportedly taken during a midnight attack on February 9, when armed men stormed the farming communities. The attackers fired gunshots, forced residents out of their homes, and took dozens of people to an unknown location.
Residents told journalists that the abducted include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman.
Elisha Musa, a resident, recalled the terrifying night, saying the attackers came in the early hours, shooting sporadically before taking several residents away.
“We were asleep that night when we started hearing gunshots everywhere. The attackers invaded the community and abducted many people to an unknown destination,” Musa said.
He added that the kidnappers later contacted community members demanding ₦30 million and four motorcycles.
“We have sold some of our properties and farm produce trying to raise the money, but it is still not complete. They are threatening to start killing our people if we do not meet their demand,” he said.
Adams Solomon, the youth leader of Kutaho, said the attack has forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further raids.
“After the attack, many residents left the community out of fear. We want our people rescued so those who ran away can return and continue living in peace,” Solomon said.
Another resident noted that the area has no mobile network, making it hard to contact security agencies during emergencies.
“There is no network here to call security agencies or neighbouring communities for help. One of the victims even sold his car along with farm produce, but the money is still not enough,” he said.
Rev. John Maiaper, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Aribi Ward and a cleric at the Baptist Church in Kutaho, said repeated attacks have disrupted farming, which is the main livelihood of the communities.
“Last year our people were kidnapped and later released with support from well-meaning Nigerians. Now the attackers have returned again. Our people depend on farming, especially ginger, but insecurity has made farming very difficult,” Maiaper said.
Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) also highlighted the economic impact of the insecurity.
“Kutaho used to be known for farming, but insecurity has reduced our economic strength. The demand of ₦30 million and four motorcycles is something the community cannot afford,” he said.
Eyewitness Hafsatu Gabriel described how the attackers broke into homes and rounded up residents during the raid.
“They were banging on doors and forcing people outside. The children started crying, and the attackers threatened them. They tied some of the men and took them away,” she said.
Another resident, Bulus Philibus, said the community has received only limited help since the attack.
“Only the local government chairman and the deputy speaker came with some food items to support the people. Apart from that, no other help has come,” he said.
Residents are appealing to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene, secure the release of the abducted villagers, and restore peace to the communities.
They also called for better security presence and improved telecommunications infrastructure to allow residents to report attacks promptly.
The Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson had not responded to enquiries about the incident as of the report.
