A community organization in Kaduna State has accused federal and state authorities of failing to adequately respond to worsening insecurity in Kachia Local Government Area, saying dozens of abducted residents remain in captivity months after being kidnapped.
The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) said worshippers abducted during an Easter Sunday church service in Ariko more than 70 days ago have yet to be rescued, while 11 residents taken during an attack on the Awon community over 50 days ago also remain in captivity.
In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by its president, J.D. Ariko, and publicity secretary, Manasseh Samuel, the association expressed concern over what it described as the government’s insufficient response to the plight of affected communities.
“It is now over 70 days since innocent Christian worshippers were abducted during an Easter Sunday church service at Ariko,” the statement said. “Families whose loved ones were taken have been left to suffer in silence, with little evidence of a coordinated and determined effort by government authorities to secure their release.”
The group said the prolonged captivity of the victims has heightened anxiety among residents and raised concerns about the level of attention being given to the security and welfare of citizens in the area.
KUDA also alleged that persistent attacks by armed groups have displaced more than 100 communities across Kuturmi land and surrounding areas, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
According to the association, many displaced people are living in informal settlements without access to government-supported camps, adequate relief supplies, healthcare services, food assistance or educational support.
The group said many families are struggling with hunger, illness and severe economic hardship, while children have been forced out of school. It added that vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and elderly residents, are facing particularly difficult living conditions.
The association said repeated appeals by affected communities have yielded little response, even as attacks continue and victims remain without sufficient support.
It called on the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, the Kachia Local Government Council and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons and strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The group also requested emergency humanitarian assistance for displaced persons, official recognition of communities currently sheltering in informal settlements and greater transparency from authorities regarding efforts to address the security and humanitarian challenges in the area.
In addition, KUDA urged the government to begin construction of a previously approved Forward Operating Base at Maraba Barga Junction in Awon, saying the facility would improve security operations and enhance protection for residents.
“Our people are not second-class citizens,” the association said. “They deserve the same protection, concern and dignity accorded to citizens in other parts of the country.”
Neither the Federal Government nor Kaduna State authorities had publicly responded to the allegations as of Tuesday.
