70 Days: Group Tasks Govt On Release Of Abducted Easter Sunday Worshippers In Kaduna

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Kuturmi Unity Development Association,(KUDA) has urged government at all levels to facilitate the release of Worshippers Abducted during the Easter Sunday service in Ariko, Kaduna, now over 70 days in Captivity.

KUDA decried the continued silence and neglect by Government on the plight of the abducted christians worshippers leaving them and families under the mercy of their abductors and with little or no news from the authorities.

In a statement signed by its President, J.D. Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel, on Tuesday, the group also lamented the humanitarian crisis while calling on the government and security agencies to do the needful and ensure the safe release of all abducted victims in the area and environs.

” It is now over 70 days since innocent Christian worshippers were abducted during Easter Sunday church service at Ariko. Families whose loved ones were taken have been left to suffer in silence, with little evidence of a coordinated and determined effort by government authorities to secure their release. The continued captivity of these worshippers raises serious questions about the priority accorded to the lives and welfare of citizens in our communities and Nigeria in general.

” Similarly, following the Awon attack, 11 innocent persons were abducted and have remained in captivity for more than 50 days. Yet there has been no meaningful public response, no visible emergency intervention, and no clear demonstration that the government appreciates the gravity of the situation confronting these families.

” KUDA finds it unacceptable that while public officials continue to make promises and issue assurances, the victims remain in captivity and their families continue to live in agony. The silence surrounding these incidents is deeply disturbing and has created the impression that the lives of our people do not matter to those entrusted with their protection.

” Even more troubling is the humanitarian disaster unfolding across Kuturmi land and environ. More than 100 communities have been displaced by persistent attacks and insecurity. Thousands of citizens have been forced from their ancestral homes and now live as unofficial Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) without government-recognized camps, adequate relief materials, healthcare services, food assistance, or educational support for their children. Many displaced families are battling hunger, disease, and extreme hardship. Children are dropping out of school, pregnant women lack access to healthcare, and the elderly are dying under deplorable conditions. Yet government response has remained grossly inadequate and largely invisible.

” The people have every reason to feel abandoned. For years, communities in this region have repeatedly raised alarm over growing insecurity, yet attacks continue unabated while citizens are left to fend for themselves. The inability of government to prevent these attacks, rescue abducted persons promptly, or provide meaningful support to displaced communities reflects a serious failure of responsibility.

” We are compelled to ask:
i. How can citizens remain in captivity for over 70 days and 50 days respectively without decisive action?
ii. Why have over 100 displaced communities been left without adequate humanitarian assistance?
iii. Why has the suffering of thousands of displaced persons failed to attract the urgency and attention it deserves? iv. How many more lives must be lost before government demonstrates genuine commitment to protecting the people?
KUDA therefore calls on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, Kachia Local
Government, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to stop treating the plight of our communities with indifference and urgently take concrete measures to address this crisis.

” Our people are not second-class citizens. They deserve the same protection, concern, and dignity accorded to citizens in other parts of the country. Government must be reminded that the primary responsibility of any administration is the protection of lives and property. Where citizens are repeatedly attacked, abducted, displaced, and abandoned without effective intervention, legitimate questions will naturally arise regarding the commitment of government to its constitutional obligations.

‘ We demand:
i. Immediate and intensified efforts to secure the release of all abducted persons.
ii. Deployment of adequate security personnel to vulnerable communities. iii. Emergency humanitarian assistance for displaced populations.
iv. Official recognition and support for displaced communities currently living in unofficial IDP settlements.
v. Public accountability from relevant authorities regarding actions taken to address the security and humanitarian crisis in our communities.. We urged government to Commence the construction of approved FOB at Maraba Barga junction, Awon.

” History will judge leaders not by their speeches but by their response to the suffering of the people. The continued neglect of our people is unacceptable, and KUDA will continue to speak out until justice, security, and relief are delivered to our communities.” the statement added