Kidnappers threaten to execute 32 abducted villagers in Kaduna unless N30m is paid

A group of kidnappers has issued a warning to kill 32 villagers seized from the Kutaho and Kugir areas in Aribi Ward of Kaduna State if their demands of N30 million and four motorcycles are not met.

The villagers, among whom is a bride-to-be named Peace Williams, were taken during a raid conducted by armed bandits on February 9, 2026. The attackers invaded the farming communities in the dead of night, firing shots and compelling residents to flee before abducting numerous individuals to an unknown location.

Members of the community recounted that the kidnapped individuals include women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman.

Elisha Musa, a local resident, described how the bandits invaded the area in the early hours, firing randomly before abducting several individuals.

"We were asleep that night when we started hearing gunfire everywhere. The bandits stormed in and took many people away, leaving us terrified," Musa said.

He added that the kidnappers later reached out to the community with a demand for N30 million and four motorcycles as ransom.

Musa revealed, "We have been selling our properties and crops to gather the funds, but we still fall short. They are now threatening to begin executing our loved ones if we do not meet their ransom demands."

Adams Solomon, the youth leader from Kutaho, stated that the incident has caused many residents to flee their homes due to fear of additional attacks.

"After the bandits took our people, numerous residents left the community fearing more violence. We are desperate for the safe return of our people so those who fled can come back and live in peace," Solomon expressed.

David Amana, another resident, explained that negotiating with the bandits has been hard due to poverty and inadequate infrastructure in the area.

He pointed out the lack of telecommunication services, making it difficult to contact security forces during emergencies. "There's no network here to alert security agencies or neighboring communities for assistance. One victim even sold his car and farm produce to raise funds, but still, it was insufficient," Amana mentioned.

Amana further reported that the kidnappers maintain that the community has the financial means and have threatened to start executing the captives one by one if their ransom is not paid.

Reverend John Maiaper, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Aribi Ward, lamented that repeated attacks have disrupted agricultural activities in their communities. He noted that Kutaho, once recognized for its ginger farming, has since lost this status.

Residents now focus on cultivating crops like maize, groundnuts, and millet, as insecurity severely hampers their ability to farm. "Last year, several individuals were kidnapped but were later freed with help from well-meaning Nigerians. Now, the bandits are back. Our community relies on farming, particularly ginger, but insecurity has made it nearly impossible," Maiaper said.

Pastor Bello Danasabe from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) echoed Maiaper's sentiments, highlighting that the community's economic situation has deteriorated due to persistent insecurity.

"Kutaho was once noted for its farming, but insecurity has diminished our economic stability. The demand for N30 million and four motorcycles is beyond what our community can handle," he concluded.

Eyewitness Hafsatu Gabriel described the chaos during the attack, sharing how bandits forced their way into homes, gathering residents outside amidst screams from children as they threatened to kill them and bound men before taking them away.

Another resident, Bulus Philibus, noted the lack of support the community has experienced following the attack. "Only the local government chairman and the deputy speaker brought some food items for assistance. There hasn't been any other significant help," he stated.

More than a month after the abduction, the victims remain in captivity, and their families are still struggling to meet the ransom amount.

Residents are now calling on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to take immediate action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped villagers and restore order in the affected areas. They also stressed the necessity for enhanced security measures and improvements in telecommunications infrastructure to allow residents to quickly report any further attacks.