By Our Reporter
Bandits who attacked Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Easter Sunday have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for the release of residents abducted during the raid.
The demand was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Concerned Ariko Youths, signed by its Chairman, Linus Audu, and Secretary, Kefas Likita. The group described the attack as a tragic assault on innocent worshippers during a period of religious reflection.
According to the statement, those abducted include vulnerable residents such as two elderly blind men, women, children, and entire families.
“In the course of what should have been a solemn period of worship and reflection, armed bandits invaded our community, resulting in the loss of innocent lives and the abduction of several residents,” the group said.
“Among those kidnapped are two elderly blind men, two women whose husbands were killed during the attack alongside their children, several young children, two critically ill women, and entire families comprising husbands, wives, and their children.”
The youths lamented that the incident had plunged the community into a humanitarian crisis, leaving families traumatised and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
They further described the N1 billion ransom demand as outrageous and beyond the capacity of the rural community.
“The situation is further worsened by the demand of an outrageous ransom of one billion naira, an amount far beyond the reach of this community,” the statement added.
The group stressed that the continued captivity of the victims violates their fundamental human rights, including the right to life, dignity, and personal liberty.
They called on the Kachia Local Government Authority to urgently collaborate with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims, while urging the Kaduna State Government to strengthen security presence in the area.
The youths also appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts against banditry nationwide, warning that delays could worsen the suffering of affected families.
“We urge swift, transparent, and effective action to rescue the abducted victims unconditionally and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.