Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward of Kagarko Local Government Area have raised alarm over the continued captivity of 32 villagers abducted by suspected bandits, more than a month after the attack.
Community members said the kidnappers are demanding ₦30 million and four motorcycles for the victims’ release.
The villagers were reportedly taken during a midnight raid on February 9, when armed men stormed the farming communities, firing gunshots and forcing residents out of their homes before leading dozens away to an unknown location.
Residents said the victims include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman.
A resident, Elisha Musa, recounted how the attackers struck in the early hours, shooting sporadically before abducting several people. “We were asleep that night when we started hearing gunshots everywhere. The attackers invaded the community and abducted many people to an unknown destination,” he said.
He added that the abductors later contacted the community with their demands. “We have sold some of our properties and farm produce trying to raise the money, but it is still not complete. They are threatening to start killing our people if we do not meet their demand,” Musa said.
The youth leader of Kutaho community, Adams Solomon, said the attack has forced many residents to flee. “After the attack, many residents left the community out of fear. We want our people rescued so those who ran away can return and continue living in peace,” he said.
Another resident highlighted the lack of telecommunications network in the area, which has made it difficult to contact security agencies during emergencies. He said even after selling personal belongings, including a car, the funds raised remain insufficient to meet the kidnappers’ demands.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Aribi Ward, Rev. John Maiaper, said repeated attacks have disrupted farming activities in the area, which relies heavily on agriculture. He noted that the communities were once known for ginger farming, but insecurity has severely affected livelihoods.
“Last year our people were kidnapped and later released with support from well-meaning Nigerians. Now the attackers have returned again. Our people depend on farming, especially ginger, but insecurity has made farming very difficult,” he said.
Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All also expressed concern over the economic toll of the attacks. He said the ransom demand is beyond the community’s capacity, further worsening their hardship.
An eyewitness, Hafsatu Gabriel, described how the attackers broke into homes and rounded up residents. “They were banging on doors and forcing people outside. The children started crying, and the attackers threatened them. They tied some of the men and took them away,” she said.
Another resident, Bulus Philibus, said the community has received limited support since the incident, noting that only the local government chairman and deputy speaker had provided some relief materials.
Residents have appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently to secure the release of the abducted villagers and restore peace. They also called for improved security presence and telecommunications infrastructure to enable faster response during emergencies.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
