37 KADUNA WORSHIPPERS REMAIN IN CAPTIVITY FIVE MONTHS AFTER EASTER ABDUCTION — AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

Amnesty International has raised fresh concerns over the continued captivity of 37 worshippers abducted during attacks on churches in Southern Kaduna, saying the victims have remained in the hands of armed groups for five months despite assurances from the Nigerian government that efforts were being made to protect citizens and secure the release of abducted persons.

The rights organisation said the worshippers were abducted during Easter Sunday church services on April 5, 2026, in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The organisation described the prolonged captivity as part of a wider security crisis in Southern Kaduna, where repeated attacks, abductions and killings have continued to affect residents.

According to Amnesty International, the situation demonstrates what it described as a failure by the Nigerian authorities to adequately protect civilians from attacks by armed groups. The organisation said the continued detention of the worshippers was particularly concerning because of the deteriorating conditions reportedly faced by people being held captive.

Amnesty also raised alarm over reports that some of the abducted persons had died while in captivity. The organisation said three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community reportedly died within the week as a result of the harsh conditions they were allegedly subjected to.

One of those reportedly killed was identified as Joy Samuel, who Amnesty said died on August 28 after giving birth while in captivity. The organisation said the baby also died after being delivered under what it described as deplorable conditions.

Amnesty further reported that 34-year-old Yusuf Bawa and his five-year-old son also died while in captivity. According to the rights group, the two reportedly died as a result of severe illness and hunger.

The organisation said the reported deaths highlighted the seriousness of the conditions allegedly faced by people abducted by armed groups. Amnesty expressed concern that captives were being exposed to threats, starvation, physical abuse and other forms of degrading treatment.

The rights group also alleged that women and girls among the captives had been subjected to sexual violence, while abducted persons were allegedly threatened with death and subjected to beatings and other abuses.

Amnesty International said the reports of deaths and severe illness among captives should prompt the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining abductees and ensure their safe return to their families.

The organisation also drew attention to the broader security situation in Southern Kaduna, saying recurring attacks, ransom-related abductions and killings have created an atmosphere of fear across several communities.

According to the rights group, the insecurity is not only threatening lives but is also disrupting farming, education and other aspects of everyday life. Residents in affected communities are reportedly facing increasing difficulties moving freely and carrying out economic activities because of fears of further attacks and abductions.

The latest concerns come months after the Easter Sunday attacks that reportedly plunged Ariko and surrounding communities into mourning.

On April 5, suspected terrorists reportedly launched coordinated attacks on First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church in the Ariko area during early morning worship services. At least seven worshippers were reportedly killed during the attacks, while several others were abducted.

The councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, confirmed the attack at the time and said heavily armed assailants had invaded the area while worshippers were attending Easter services.

The incident triggered renewed concerns about the safety of religious gatherings and communities in Southern Kaduna, particularly as the region has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups over the years.

For the families of the 37 worshippers still in captivity, the passage of five months has prolonged an already devastating ordeal. The uncertainty surrounding the condition and whereabouts of their relatives has also intensified calls for urgent government action.

Amnesty International has therefore urged the Nigerian Government to fulfil its obligations to protect citizens and take immediate steps to secure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.

The organisation called for intensified efforts not only to rescue the 37 worshippers held in Kachia Local Government Area but also to secure the release of other Nigerians being held captive by armed groups across the country.

The rights group said the government must strengthen its response to abductions and attacks while ensuring that victims and their families receive the protection and support required after such incidents.

The continued captivity of the worshippers has once again placed Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis under scrutiny, particularly in communities where armed groups have been able to abduct residents and hold them for extended periods.

For Southern Kaduna communities, the situation has left residents facing a difficult combination of insecurity, disrupted livelihoods and fear, while families of abducted persons continue to wait for the safe return of their loved ones.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments concerning the 37 worshippers and any further action by the Nigerian Government or security agencies toward securing their release.