Amnesty raises alarm over Southern Kaduna worshippers held for 5 months

Crime Diary

KADUNA, Nigeria (NPA) — Amnesty International has expressed concern over the continued captivity of 37 people abducted during raids on churches in Southern Kaduna on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.

In a statement on Monday, the rights organisation said the abduction occurred in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as one of several cases it said demonstrated the failure of Nigerian authorities to adequately protect civilians.

Amnesty International said three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community had died in captivity in the past week.

Advertisement

According to the organisation, a woman identified as Joy Samuel died on Aug. 28 after reportedly giving birth under deplorable conditions, while the baby also died.

It added that Yusuf Bawa, 34, and his five-year-old son had also died after suffering severe illness and hunger while in captivity.

Amnesty International said the deaths and illnesses highlighted what it described as the severe conditions faced by abducted persons in captivity.

The organisation alleged that captives were repeatedly threatened with death, starved and subjected to physical and sexual violence, including the rape of women and girls.

It said recurring attacks, abductions for ransom and killings continued to threaten communities across Southern Kaduna, creating a climate of fear that was affecting agriculture, education and other aspects of social life.

Amnesty International called on the Nigerian Government to fulfil its national and international human rights obligations by urgently intensifying efforts to secure the safe release and return of the 37 worshippers abducted in Kachia LGA, as well as other people held captive by armed groups across the country.

The organisation urged the authorities to take stronger measures to protect civilians and prevent further abductions and killings.