Bandits Threaten to Kill 32 Kaduna Abductees Over Unpaid ₦30 Million Ransom
Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have sounded a desperate alarm over the prolonged captivity of 32 villagers, abducted by bandits more than a month ago. The terrorists have issued a chilling ultimatum, threatening to kill all captives if a ransom of ₦30 million and four motorcycles is not delivered promptly.
Midnight Raid and Abduction Details
The victims were seized during a violent midnight raid on February 9, 2026, when armed bandits stormed the farming communities, firing gunshots indiscriminately and forcing residents from their homes. Dozens were taken to an unknown location, with community members confirming that the abducted include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman.
Elisha Musa, a local resident, recounted the terrifying attack: "We were asleep that night when we started hearing gunshots everywhere. The bandits invaded the community and abducted many people to an unknown destination." He added that the kidnappers later contacted the community, demanding the hefty ransom and motorcycles, warning of executions if their demands are unmet.
Community Struggles and Desperate Appeals
Adams Solomon, youth leader of Kutaho community, revealed that the attack has triggered a mass exodus, with many residents fleeing their homes due to fear of further violence. "After the bandits abducted our people, many residents fled the community out of fear of further attacks. We want our people rescued so those who ran away can return and continue living in peace," he stated.
David Amana, another resident, highlighted the community's dire circumstances, citing widespread poverty and a lack of telecommunications infrastructure that hampers communication with security agencies. "There is no network here to call security agencies or neighbouring communities for help. One of the victims even sold his car along with farm produce, but the money is still not enough," he explained. "They keep insisting that we have money and have vowed to start killing the victims one after the other if we fail to meet their demand."
Economic and Social Impact of Insecurity
Reverend John Maiaper, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Aribi Ward, Kenyi District, Kagarko LGA, lamented how recurring attacks have devastated farming activities. As the cleric of the Baptist Church in Kutaho, he noted that the area was once renowned for ginger farming but now struggles with crops like maize, groundnut, and millet due to insecurity. "Last year, our people were kidnapped and later released with support from well-meaning Nigerians. Now the bandits have returned. Our people depend on farming, especially ginger, but insecurity has made farming almost impossible," he said.
Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) echoed these concerns, stating that insecurity has severely weakened the community's economic strength. "Kutaho used to be known for farming, but now insecurity has reduced our economic strength. The bandits' demand of ₦30 million and four motorcycles is something the community cannot afford," he emphasized.
Eyewitness Accounts and Lack of Assistance
Hafsatu Gabriel, an eyewitness, described the harrowing raid: "They were banging on doors and forcing people outside. The children started crying, and the bandits threatened to kill them. They tied some of the men and took them away." Bulus Philibus, another resident, reported minimal external support, noting that only the local government chairman and deputy speaker provided some food items, with no further aid received.
More than a month after the abduction, the victims remain in captivity, while their families desperately scramble to raise the ransom. Residents have urgently appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intervene, secure the safe release of the abducted villagers, and restore peace to the affected communities. They also called for enhanced security presence and improved telecommunications infrastructure to enable timely reporting of attacks.
As of the time of reporting, the Kaduna State Police Command and state government had not issued any comments on the incident.
