Follow Us on Google
From Sola Ojo, Abuja
A community leader and former spokesman to the late Kaduna State Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, has appealed to the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue 37 residents of Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area who have spent 100 days in captivity.
Buhari made the appeal on Tuesday to mark 100 days since the victims were abducted during an attack on Ariko village on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Armed kidnappers invaded the community, killed several residents and abducted 37 others, mostly women and children worshipping in three churches.
Buhari lamented that the victims had endured unimaginable hardship in captivity, saying they had been forced to wear the same clothes for over three months while living under harsh conditions.
“For 100 days, they have worn the same clothes, slept on bare ground, been soaked by the rain and scorched by the sun.
“Many have gone weeks without bathing, with their heads infested by lice and their bodies covered in insect bite marks,” Buhari decried.
He added that the captives had also suffered hunger, illness and psychological trauma, while expressing concern that their plight had received little public attention.
Buhari alleged that those advocating for the victims’ rescue had faced criticism instead of support, describing the situation as painful and unacceptable.
He called on relevant authorities to act urgently to secure the release of the abductees and bring an end to their suffering.
“As we mark 100 days of their captivity, our prayer is that they regain their freedom and reunite with their families.
“We also urge the authorities not to abandon them but to do everything possible to ensure their safe return,” he said.
The Ariko community has suffered repeated attacks by armed criminals in recent years, with residents continuing to call for improved security across Kachia, Kajuru, Chikun, Igabi and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas.
