Amnesty Int’l Cries Out Over Abduction Of 37 Christian Worshippers

Amnesty International has condemned the prolonged captivity of 37 Christian worshippers abducted during an attack on churches in Southern Kaduna.

This was just as it accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately protect civilians from persistent attacks, killings and abductions.

The rights organisation, in a statement on Monday, recalled that the worshippers were kidnapped during Easter Sunday worship on April 5, 2026, in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Five months after the incident, Amnesty said the victims remained in captivity despite repeated assurances by the administration of President Bola Tinubu that security agencies were working to protect citizens and secure the release of abducted persons.

The organisation described the incident as part of a wider pattern of insecurity in Southern Kaduna, which it said demonstrated the “utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect the people.”

Amnesty also raised fresh concerns over the condition of abductees, revealing that three of the 11 people kidnapped from Awon community had reportedly died in captivity within the week.

According to the group, Joy Samuel died on August 28 after giving birth under what it described as “deplorable” conditions, while the newborn also died.

It added that 34-year-old Yusuf Bawa and his five-year-old son reportedly died from severe illness and hunger while in captivity.

“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 five-year-old son have also died as a result of severe illness and hunger,” Amnesty said.

The rights group said the reported deaths and illnesses highlighted the allegedly brutal conditions endured by people held by armed groups.

It further alleged that captives were subjected to threats of execution, starvation, beatings, sexual violence 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.

Amnesty said the security crisis in Southern Kaduna had continued to undermine the livelihoods and social activities of residents, particularly through repeated attacks, ransom kidnappings and killings.

It warned that the resulting climate of fear was disrupting farming, education and other aspects of community life.

“Recurring attacks, abductions for ransom, and killings are continuing to make life a hell in many parts of southern Kaduna,” the organisation said.

The rights group urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue the 37 worshippers and other Nigerians being held captive by armed groups across the country.

Amnesty called on the government to meet its national and international human rights obligations by taking immediate measures to secure the safe release and return 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.