Amnesty International Lampoons FG Over Non-release Of 37 Kaduna Worshippers Held Hostage Since Easter
Amnesty International, AI, on Monday, raised the alarm over the continued holding in captivity of 37 worshippers abducted from churches by terrorists in Southern Kaduna during the Easter celebrations.
Amnesty International, AI, on Monday, raised the alarm over the continued holding in captivity of 37 worshippers abducted from churches by terrorists in Southern Kaduna during the Easter celebrations.
AI also, accused the Federal Government of failing to adequately protect citizens from recurring attacks, abductions and killings in the area.
This is coming against the backdrop of
assurances by President Bola Tinubu’s administration that it was doing everything humanly possible to protect citizens and secure the release of abductees.
The rights organisation further said the victims including children and women 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 over five months.
Amnesty International stressed that the prolonged captivity of the victims showed what it described as the “utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect the people,” pointing out that the plight of the worshippers had been compounded by worsening conditions, with three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community reportedly dying in captivity within the week.
It stated that a woman identified as Joy Samuel died on August 28 after giving birth in such deplorable condition. The baby she delivered also died.
Furthermore, it stated that one Yusuf Bawa, 34, and his five-year-old son also died in captivity as a result of 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.
“Deaths and severe illness these people are facing in captivity show the atrocities they are being subjected to.
“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.
This is coming against the backdrop of
assurances by President Bola Tinubu’s administration that it was doing everything humanly possible to protect citizens and secure the release of abductees.
The rights organisation further said the victims including children and women 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 over five months.
Amnesty International stressed that the prolonged captivity of the victims showed what it described as the “utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect the people,” pointing out that the plight of the worshippers had been compounded by worsening conditions, with three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community reportedly dying in captivity within the week.
It stated that a woman identified as Joy Samuel died on August 28 after giving birth in such deplorable condition. The baby she delivered also died.
Furthermore, it stated that one Yusuf Bawa, 34, and his five-year-old son also died in captivity as a result of 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.
“Deaths and severe illness these people are facing in captivity show the atrocities they are being subjected to.
“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.
“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.
“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 further stated.
Amnesty International then urged the government to fulfil its national and international human rights obligations by taking urgent steps to secure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.
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