37 Kaduna Worshippers Abducted During Easter Service Still In Captivity — Amnesty International

Amnesty International has raised the alarm over the continued captivity of 37 worshippers abducted during attacks on churches in Southern Kaduna, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to adequately protect citizens from recurring attacks, abductions and killings.

The development comes despite assurances by President Bola Tinubu’s administration that it is doing everything possible to protect citizens and secure the release of people held captive by armed groups.

The rights organisation said on Monday that the victims were abducted during Easter Sunday worship on April 5, 2026, in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and have remained in captivity for five months.

Amnesty International described the incident as one of several attacks that demonstrated the “utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect the people.”

It said the prolonged captivity of the worshippers had been compounded by worsening conditions, adding that three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community reportedly died in captivity within the week.

According to the organisation, a woman identified as Joy Samuel died on August 28 after giving birth under what it described as deplorable conditions. The baby also died.

Amnesty International added that Yusuf Bawa, 34, and his five-year-old son also died in captivity from severe illness and hunger.

“Three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community have died in captivity this week. A woman Joy Samuel died on 28 August, after giving birth in a deplorable condition. The baby she delivered also died. Mr. Yusuf Bawa 34, and his 5-year-old son have also died as a result of severe illness and hunger,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation said the deaths and illnesses suffered by the abducted persons reflected the harsh conditions and alleged abuses they were being subjected to in captivity.

“Deaths and severe illness these people are facing in captivity show the atrocities they are being subjected to,” it said.

Amnesty International further alleged that the victims were being subjected to repeated threats, starvation, sexual violence, beatings and other forms of degrading treatment.

“While in captivity, the abducted persons are always repeatedly threatened to be killed, starved, women and girls raped, beaten and dehumanized in so many ways,” the organisation said.

The rights group also expressed concern over the broader security situation in Southern Kaduna, saying recurring attacks, abductions for ransom and killings had continued to disrupt the lives of residents.

It said the insecurity had created a climate of fear that was affecting farming, education and other aspects of social life in communities across the region.

“Recurring attacks, abductions for ransom, and killings are continuing to make life a hell in many parts of southern Kaduna. A climate of fear is affecting agricultural activities, education and other aspects of social lives of the people,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect civilians and secure the release of people held by armed groups.

Amnesty International called on the government to fulfil its national and international human rights obligations by taking urgent steps to secure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.

“The Nigerian government must deliver on its national and international human rights obligations by immediately redoubling efforts to ensure the safe release and return of not only the 37 worshippers abducted in Kachia LGA, but also all people held captive by gunmen across Nigeria,” it said.

The concerns come as communities in Southern Kaduna continue to face security challenges, with attacks and abductions threatening livelihoods, education and social activities while leaving families of victims uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.

SaharaReporters reported in April that Ariko community was thrown into mourning on Easter Sunday when suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on two churches — First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church — killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others.

The Councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack, saying heavily armed assailants had stormed the area during early morning services.