Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of 37 worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday services in Southern Kaduna.
The worshippers were abducted on April 5, 2026, during coordinated raids on churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Over 212 days after the incident, they remain in captivity.
In a statement on Monday, the human rights organisation described the incident as yet another demonstration of the failure of Nigerian authorities to protect lives.
Amnesty International also disclosed that some of the 11 persons abducted from Awon community have died in captivity.
According to the organisation, a woman, Joy Samuel, died on August 28 after giving birth in deplorable conditions. Her newborn baby also died.
It added that a 34-year-old man, Yusuf Bawa, and his five-year-old son died as a result of severe illness and hunger.
“The deaths and severe illness these people are facing in captivity show the atrocities they are being subjected to,” Amnesty stated.
The organisation said those in captivity are repeatedly threatened with death, starved, beaten and dehumanised, with women and girls also subjected to rape.
It noted that recurring attacks, abductions for ransom and killings have continued to make life unbearable in many parts of Southern Kaduna, with fear disrupting farming, education and social activities.
“The Nigerian government must deliver on its national and international human rights obligations by immediately redoubling efforts to ensure the safe release and return of not only the 37 worshippers abducted in Kachia LGA, but also all people held captive by gunmen across Nigeria,” Amnesty said.
