Kaduna Communities Beg Gov Uba Sani To Secure 32 Abducted Residents’ Release

Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward of Kagarko local government area of Kaduna State have raised the alarm over threats by bandits to kill 32 abducted villagers if a N30 million ransom is not paid.

They urged Governor Uba Sani to urgently intervene in the matter.

A community member, Elisha Musa, said the kidnappers had contacted some residents and demanded N30 million and four motorcycles, warning that they would start killing the victims if the demands were not met.

The victims were abducted during a midnight attack on February 9, 2026, when armed bandits stormed the farming communities, fired sporadically and forced residents out of their homes before whisking dozens away.

More than a month after the attack, the abducted persons, including women, children and a heavily pregnant woman, remain in captivity as efforts to secure their release continue under difficult conditions.

Musa said, “We have sold our properties and farm produce to raise the money, but it is still not complete. They are threatening to start killing our people”.

The youth leader of Kutaho community, Adams Solomon, said the attack had forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further violence.

“After the abduction, many people ran away. We want our people rescued so those who fled can return and continue living in peace,” he said.

Another resident, David Amana, said the situation had been worsened by poor economic conditions and lack of telecommunications network in the area.

“There is no network here to call security agencies or neighbouring communities for help. One of the victims even sold his car and farm produce, but the money is still not enough”, he said.

He added that the kidnappers remained adamant, insisting the community must meet their demands or risk losing the victims.

The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Aribi Ward, Kenyi District, Rev. John Maiaper, said recurring attacks had crippled farming activities in the area.

Similarly, a community leader, Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), said the ransom demand was beyond the agrarian community’s capacity, noting that insecurity had weakened their economic base.

An eyewitness, Hafsatu Gabriel, narrated how the attackers broke into homes, rounded up residents and took them away, while another resident, Bulus Philibus, decried the limited assistance received, as residents called on the state government and security agencies to urgently secure the victims’ release.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command has not issued an official statement on the incident.