News
Alarm As 11 Of 37 Worshippers Abducted Since Easter Sunday Die In Captivity
Amnesty International has raised the alarm over the continued captivity of 37 worshippers abducted during raids on churches in Southern Kaduna, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to adequately protect citizens from recurring attacks, abductions and killings.
This comes despite assurances by President Bola Tinubu’s administration that it is doing everything possible to protect citizens and secure the release of abductees.
The rights organisation on Monday, said the victims were abducted during Easter Sunday worship on April 5, 2026, in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and have remained in captivity for five months.
Amnesty International said the incident was one of several attacks demonstrating what it described as the “utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect the people.”
It said the prolonged captivity of the worshippers had been compounded by worsening conditions, with three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community reportedly dying in captivity within the week.
According to the organisation, a woman identified as Joy Samuel died on August 28 after giving birth in what it described as a deplorable condition. The baby she delivered also died.
It added that Mr. Yusuf Bawa, 34, and his five-year-old son also died in captivity as a result of severe illness and hunger.
“Three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community have died in captivity this week. A woman Joy Samuel died on 28 August, after giving birth in a deplorable condition. The baby she delivered also died. Mr. Yusuf Bawa 34, and his 5-year-old son have also died as a result of severe illness and hunger,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation said the deaths and illnesses suffered by the abducted persons reflected the harsh conditions and abuses they were allegedly being subjected to while in captivity.
“Deaths and severe illness these people are facing in captivity show the atrocities they are being subjected to,” it said.
Amnesty International further alleged that the victims were being subjected to repeated threats, starvation, sexual violence, beatings and other forms of degrading treatment.
“While in captivity, the abducted persons are always repeatedly threatened to be killed, starved, women and girls raped, beaten and dehumanized in so many ways,” the organisation said.
The rights group also expressed concern over the wider security situation in Southern Kaduna, saying recurring attacks, abductions for ransom and killings had continued to disrupt the lives of residents.
It said the insecurity had created a climate of fear that was affecting farming, education and other aspects of social life in communities across the region.
“Recurring attacks, abductions for ransom, and killings are continuing to make life a hell in many parts of southern Kaduna. A climate of fear is affecting agricultural activities, education and other aspects of social lives of the people,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation said the continued captivity of the worshippers underscored the need for the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect civilians and secure the release of people held by armed groups.
Amnesty International called on the government to fulfil its national and international human rights obligations by taking urgent steps to secure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.
“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,” it said.
The organisation’s concerns come as communities in Southern Kaduna continue to face security challenges, with attacks and abductions threatening livelihoods and access to education while leaving families of victims in prolonged uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
Recall that In April, Ariko community was plunged into mourning on Easter Sunday when suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on two churches, First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, killing at least seven worshippers and abducting several others.
Confirming the attack, the Councillor representing Awon Ward, Mark Bawa, said heavily armed assailants had stormed the area during early morning services.
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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