More than 70 days after gunmen stormed a church during Easter Sunday service in Kaduna State, the kidnapped worshippers are still being held — and their community says nobody in government seems to be in a hurry to bring them home.

The Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) made the accusation in a statement on Tuesday, saying the victims were taken from Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area and haven't been freed despite repeated pleas to authorities.

"It's now over 70 days since innocent Christian worshippers were abducted during an Easter Sunday church service at Ariko," the statement read, signed by KUDA president J.D. Ariko and publicity secretary Manasseh Samuel.

"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 association also said 11 other residents kidnapped during an attack on Awon community more than 50 days ago are still missing.

"Our people aren't second-class citizens. They deserve the same protection, concern and dignity accorded to citizens in other parts of the country."

Beyond the abductions, KUDA alleged that persistent attacks have displaced more than 100 communities across Kuturmi land and neighbouring areas. Thousands of displaced residents are now living in informal settlements without access to government-supported camps, relief materials, healthcare, food assistance, or education, the group claimed.

According to the association, many families are facing hunger and disease, children have been forced out of school, and vulnerable people — including pregnant women and the elderly — are struggling to cope with deteriorating conditions.

KUDA called on the federal government, Kaduna State Government, Kachia Local Government Council, and security agencies to step up efforts to secure the release of the abducted persons and strengthen security across vulnerable communities. It also urged authorities to provide emergency humanitarian aid and formally recognise communities sheltering in informal settlements.

The group further appealed for the construction of a proposed Forward Operating Base at Maraba Barga Junction in Awon, arguing that the facility would improve security response and protection for residents.

The situation highlights the ongoing security challenges in southern Kaduna, where communities have repeatedly reported kidnapping, attacks on villages, and displacement. PREMIUM TIMES couldn't independently verify KUDA's claims about the number of displaced communities and affected residents.

  • Over 70 days since Easter Sunday church abduction in Ariko, Kachia LGA
  • 11 others kidnapped in Awon community over 50 days ago still missing
  • Over 100 communities displaced across Kuturmi land
  • Thousands living in informal settlements without government support
  • KUDA calling for release of captives, humanitarian aid, and Forward Operating Base