Bandits Demand ₦1bn, 35 Bikes For Release Of 37 Kidnapped Kaduna Church Members

Residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have appealed to authorities for urgent intervention to secure the release of 37 worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday attacks on churches in the area.

The victims were kidnapped when armed bandits stormed three churches—St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA, and a Baptist church—during Easter services, killing five worshippers and whisking away 37 others.

Leaders of the community said the abductors are demanding ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles as ransom, a condition they insist must be met before the victims can be freed.

President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr. Joseph David Ariko, said the community lacks the financial capacity to meet the demand, stressing that residents are left with no option but to rely on government intervention.

“They call almost every two days demanding ₦1bn and 35 motorcycles. They are not ready to reduce it,” he said.

According to him, the 37 victims have remained in captivity for about 45 days, leaving families in distress and the community in fear as normal social and economic activities continue to suffer.

Community leaders have urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and humanitarian organisations to assist in securing the safe return of the abducted worshippers.