UNPAID N1BN RANSOM: 37 worshippers abducted in Kaduna clock 45 days in captivity

…Oyo teacher murdered by bandits laid to rest

GABRIEL UDEH, KADUNA

Members of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have repeatedly decried the continued enslavement of victims of abduction who hail from their community, appealing to federal and state governments to urgently secure the release of the 37 worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday attacks on churches in the area.

The community said it could not meet the N1 billion ransom and 35 motorcycles demanded by the abductors, stressing that their only hope lies in government intervention and swift rescue operations.

The armed bandits had invaded three churches during Easter Sunday services, killing five worshippers before whisking away 37 others into captivity.

The victims taken from St. Augustine Catholic Church, ECWA and Baptist Churches, have now spent about 45 days in captivity, leaving families and residents in fear, anguish and uncertainty over their fate.

President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr Joseph David Ariko, said the abductors had remained in constant contact with the community, insisting on their demand without any reduction.

“They called virtually in viral video every two days, and bandits have not dropped their demand. It is still the N1 billion and 35 motorcycles,” he said.

The chairman lamented that the community lacked the financial capacity to meet the demand, adding that residents had no option but to depend on the government for rescue.

“We want the government to go and rescue our people, that is all. We cannot afford it, honestly speaking”.

Another community member, Ephraim John, said the incident had left families traumatised, with relatives of the abducted worshippers enduring daily anxiety over their safety.

According to him, the prolonged captivity has deepened fear across the community and disrupted normal social and economic activities in the area.

He said many residents now live in constant apprehension, while affected families continue to struggle emotionally and financially in the aftermath of the attack.

The community leaders urged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of the victims and restore residents’ confidence.

They also called on well-meaning Nigerians, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders to support affected families as the community continues to grapple with the impact of the Easter Sunday attack.

Meanwhile the funeral rites by family and friends of the slain teacher, Adesiyan Adegboye, have held in Ogbomoso area of Oyo state.

Adegboye, 49, one of the teachers killed during the attack, was laid in state at Ayegun Baptist Church, Ogbomoso, after which he was laid to rest at his residence in the Owolake area of the town.

The deceased, who was born on December 11, 1976, was murdered by armed bandits who invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, last Friday.

During the deadly attacks, several teachers and students were abducted, throwing Ogbomoso, neighbouring communities, and the entire state into panic.

The incident sparked widespread fear across the area, with many parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children amid concerns over possible further attacks.

Some schools were temporarily shut after rumours emerged alleging that bandits had infiltrated the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, an allegation later dismissed by the institution’s management as false.

In response to the worsening security concerns, the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology announced sweeping new safety measures affecting both public and private schools across the state.

In a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, B.T. Oyinloye, and addressed to the Executive Chairmen of TESCOM and SUBEB, Permanent Secretaries/IGES, Tutor-Generals, Zonal Directors, Local Inspectors of Education, principals, and head teachers across Oyo State, all activities requiring students to leave school premises were suspended indefinitely.

According to the circular, the directive became necessary “in view of the recent security concerns”.

The circular stated: “In view of the recent security concerns, the Ministry is taking steps to safeguard the lives of students and members of staff in all schools in Oyo State.

“All School Administrators are hereby directed to suspend all excursions, field trips, sports competitions, and any other activities that require moving students outside school premises until further notice.”