Militants vow to execute 32 kidnapped Kaduna residents unless N30m demand is met

Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward of Kagarko Local Government Area are sounding the alarm over the prolonged captivity of 32 villagers, who were abducted by suspected bandits over a month ago. The kidnappers are demanding a hefty ransom of ₦30 million and four motorcycles in exchange for the victims' release.

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The abduction occurred 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. The victims include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman, according to community members.

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A resident, Elisha Musa, recounted the terrifying events of that night, saying that the attackers invaded the community, shooting sporadically before whisking away several residents. He recalled that the community was asleep when the sound of gunshots filled the air, and the attackers made their way into the community.

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Musa revealed that the abductors later contacted the community, demanding ₦30 million and four motorcycles, and threatening to kill the captives if their demands are not met. The community has been trying to raise the funds by selling properties and farm produce, but it remains insufficient.

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Adams Solomon, the youth leader of Kutaho community, stated that the incident has driven many residents to flee their homes in fear of further attacks, and he urged that the abducted villagers be rescued so that those who fled can return and live in peace.

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The area's lack of telecommunications network coverage has made it difficult for residents to reach security agencies during emergencies, with one resident noting that even selling a car and farm produce has not been enough to meet the kidnappers' demands.

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Rev. John Maiaper, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Aribi Ward, said that repeated attacks have disrupted farming activities in the communities, which rely heavily on agriculture, and that the area was previously known for its ginger farming.

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Maiaper, who is also a cleric at the Baptist Church in Kutaho, noted that the community's dependence on farming, especially ginger, has been severely impacted by the insecurity, and that last year's kidnapping incident was only resolved with the help of well-meaning Nigerians.

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Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) expressed concern over the economic impact of the insecurity, stating that Kutaho's reputation as a farming community has been tarnished, and that the demand for ₦30 million and four motorcycles is beyond the community's means.

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An eyewitness, Hafsatu Gabriel, described how the attackers broke into homes and rounded up residents during the raid, banging on doors, forcing people outside, and threatening the children.

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Another resident, Bulus Philibus, said that the community has received limited assistance since the incident, with only the local government chairman and the deputy speaker providing some food items to support the affected people.

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Residents are appealing to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently and secure the safe release of the abducted villagers, as well as restore peace to the communities and improve security presence and telecommunications infrastructure.

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The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Command in Kaduna State has yet to respond to enquiries about the incident, which has left the community in a state of uncertainty and fear.