TORTURE, STARVATION & RAPE: Anxiety mounts over plight of 37 Kaduna abductees in captivity for 105 days

*Amnesty, relatives bemoan seeming abandonment by govt

BY ORIAKU IJELE & GABRIEL UDEH

The plight of about 37 persons abducted by gunmen in Kaduna South has been highlighted by Amnesty International in a renewed call to the government at various levels to expedite actions towards securing their freedom from the terrorists.

The victims have so far spent over 105 days in captivity after they were abducted in a church during Easter, a Christian celebration to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Daily Monitor on Sunday, notes that Amnesty International has been at the forefront of monitoring the plight of the victims since the ugly incident over 3 months ago.

Bemoaning the victims’ potential risk as regards rape, starvation and torture, the group wrote: “The Nigerian authorities must urgently prioritise the rescue of 37 people abducted by gunmen 104 days ago in southern Kaduna. Those abducted are at the high risk of being subjected to torture, starvation, amputation, rape, or forced to witness atrocities.

“On Easter Sunday, April 5th 2026, gunmen raided churches at Ariko village, Kachia Local Government Area Kaduna state. At least 7 people were killed and 37 people abducted. “Majority of those abducted were women and children. Families and relatives of those abducted are still waiting nd seeking answers.

“The relatives and families of those who remain in captivity told Amnesty International that they have been abandoned by government, citing the lack of information about attempts to ensure the safe rescue of their loved ones.

“The people of Ariko deserved an answer — which is a safe return of their loved ones from the dehumanizing custody of gunmen. Those suspected of inflicting this unspeakable suffering must be brought to justice.

“Consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to ensure the security and safety of the population constitutes a serious breach of their human rights obligations, including under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.”