At least eight worshippers abducted from Ariko in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reportedly died after spending months in captivity, with families of the remaining victims appealing for urgent intervention.
The worshippers were reportedly kidnapped on Easter Sunday, with 37 people said to have been taken by their captors. Months after the incident, several of the victims are still being held in captivity.
Recent reports indicate that the victims have been subjected to severe conditions, including hunger, illness and prolonged confinement.
One woman who reportedly escaped after spending about six months in captivity is said to have lost her four-year-old daughter, identified as Christy, while returning home. The child reportedly became too weak to survive.
The situation is said to have also affected victims abducted from neighbouring Awon in April.
Three of the 11 people reportedly kidnapped from Awon and taken to the same forest camp as the Ariko victims are said to have died in captivity.
One of the victims, Joy Samuel, reportedly gave birth while in captivity, but the baby died. Joy was later also reported to have died.
A father and his five-year-old son were also reportedly among those who died after allegedly suffering from sickness and hunger while in captivity.
The reported deaths have heightened concerns over the fate of those still being held by the kidnappers and renewed calls for authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.
Inside Kaduna state:
Eight Kidnap Victims, Including Two Newborns, Die After Months in Captivity in Kaduna
Families of the abducted worshippers have continued to endure uncertainty and anguish, with many waiting for news about the condition and whereabouts of their loved ones.
There are also growing concerns that continued captivity could further endanger victims who are already weakened by hunger and illness.
The Federal Government and Kaduna State Government have therefore been urged to intensify rescue efforts and provide affected families with clear information on steps being taken to secure the release of the remaining captives.
For the families, the priority remains securing the safe return of those still alive after months in captivity.
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