Terrorists threaten to kill 32 abducted Kaduna villagers over N30m ransom

2026-03-17 - 09:47

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward of Kagarko Local Government Area have raised alarm over the continued captivity of 32 villagers abducted by suspected bandits, more than a month after the attack. Community members said the kidnappers have demanded ₦30 million and four motorcycles as ransom for the victims’ release. The villagers were reportedly abducted during a midnight raid on February 9, when armed men stormed the farming communities, firing gunshots and forcing residents out of their homes before taking dozens of people to an unknown location. Residents told journalists that the victims include women, children and a heavily pregnant woman. A resident, Elisha Musa, recalled that the attackers invaded the community in the early hours, shooting sporadically before whisking away several residents. “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. According to him, the abductors later contacted members of the community and demanded ₦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. The youth leader of Kutaho community, Adams Solomon, said the incident has forced many residents to flee their homes for fear of further attacks. “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 said that the area lacks telecommunications network coverage, making it difficult to reach 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. Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Aribi Ward, Rev. John Maiaper, said repeated attacks have disrupted farming activities in the communities, which depend largely on agriculture. Maiaper, who also serves as a cleric at the Baptist Church in Kutaho, said the area was previously known for ginger farming, but insecurity has severely affected agricultural activities. “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,” he said. A community leader, Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), also expressed concern over 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. An eyewitness, Hafsatu Gabriel, narrated 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 limited assistance since the incident. “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 appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene to secure the safe release of the abducted villagers and restore peace to the communities. They also called for improved security presence and telecommunications infrastructure to enable residents to report attacks promptly. The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Command in Kaduna State had yet to respond to enquiries on the incident.