At least eight abducted victims, including two newborn babies, have reportedly died while in captivity after spending between 95 and 110 days in kidnappers’ camps in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were among residents kidnapped from Ariko and Awon communities, neighbouring villages predominantly inhabited by the Kuturmi ethnic group.
The tragedy has deepened concerns over the worsening insecurity in the region and the prolonged suffering of hostages.
According to reports, seven of the deceased were part of a group abducted from Ariko village, while the eighth victim was a newborn delivered by a woman kidnapped from Awon village.
A source familiar with the situation, including a recently freed captive, revealed that the Ariko victims had been held for about 110 days, while those from Awon had spent approximately 95 days in captivity.
Among the Ariko victims who died were two men, two women, and three children. One of the children was born during captivity under extremely harsh and inhumane conditions.
The woman reportedly went into labour without any medical assistance. In a desperate attempt to save the newborn, another captive reportedly used her teeth to cut the umbilical cord due to the absence of basic tools. Although the baby survived the delivery, it reportedly died after nearly three weeks.
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In a similar heartbreaking development, a pregnant woman abducted from Awon village also gave birth while in captivity. Her baby survived for only one day.
Survivors have described the kidnappers’ camp as a place of extreme hardship, where hostages are forced to sleep in the open without shelter, exposed to harsh weather conditions.
During rainfall, victims reportedly lie on wet ground through the night, while many children suffer from illness due to the conditions.
More disturbing accounts indicate that victims who die in captivity are not given proper burials. Instead, their bodies are allegedly abandoned in nearby areas, leaving families without closure or the opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest.
Despite being kidnapped from separate communities, the victims are believed to be held in the same location, as their families continue to wait anxiously for any news of survival or rescue.
The situation has left many families torn between hope and grief hoping for the safe return of those still alive while mourning those already lost.
As insecurity persists in the region, calls for urgent intervention continue to grow, with affected families and communities appealing for prayers and swift action to secure the release of the remaining captives.
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