Bandits Demand N1bn Ransom for Abducted Kaduna Villagers

Armed bandits who abducted multiple residents of the Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, are demanding a ransom of one billion naira for their release, according to local youth leaders. The abductions took place on Easter Sunday during an attack that left several residents dead and the community in mourning.

In a statement issued on Monday, Linus Audu and Kefas Likita, chairman and secretary of the Concerned Ariko Youths, described the incident as “a tragic assault on innocent worshippers during a solemn period of reflection.” They listed the victims as two elderly blind men; women whose husbands were killed in the attack, along with their children; numerous young children; two critically ill women; and entire families.

The youth leaders emphasized that the N1 billion ransom demand is “outrageous and impossible for the rural community to meet,” noting that expecting devastated families to raise such an amount is neither reasonable nor humane. The incident has created a humanitarian crisis in Ariko, leaving families traumatized and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones. Historically, local residents have relied on communal efforts and contributions to secure the release of abducted relatives, a burden that has intensified amid worsening economic conditions.

The Concerned Ariko Youths characterized the attack as part of a troubling pattern of insecurity in Southern Kaduna, where rural communities repeatedly face kidnappings and killings by armed groups. They called on Kachia Local Government authorities to urgently collaborate with security agencies and provide immediate support to affected families. The group also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to deploy adequate security measures for the safe rescue of victims and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle banditry nationwide.

“We urge swift, transparent, and effective action to rescue the abducted victims unconditionally and bring the perpetrators to justice. Continued delay will only deepen the suffering of affected families and erode public confidence,” the statement concluded. As of publication, security agencies had not issued an official response.

The abduction highlights the ongoing security challenges facing rural communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where banditry and communal violence have displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods.