Fresh outrage has trailed the abduction of residents in Kaduna State as bandits reportedly demanded a staggering N1bn ransom for victims seized during an Easter Sunday attack on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area.
The attackers who invaded the village during the Christian celebration not only abducted several residents but also killed some people leaving the community in deep mourning and fear.
In a statement issued on Monday leaders of the Concerned Ariko Youths Linus Audu and Kefas Likita condemned the incident describing it as a brutal assault on helpless worshippers during a sacred period.
They revealed that those abducted include vulnerable members of the community such as elderly blind men women children and entire families.
Among those taken are two elderly blind men widows whose husbands were killed during the attack alongside their children several minors and critically ill women the group said.
The youths warned that the N1bn ransom demand has worsened the already dire humanitarian situation stressing that the amount is far beyond what the rural community can afford.
They noted that families are traumatised and uncertain about the fate of their loved ones with many now relying on communal efforts to raise funds for possible ransom payments.
The group added that the incident highlights the persistent insecurity in Southern Kaduna where rural communities have repeatedly faced attacks involving killings and abductions.
They called on the Kachia Local Government and the Kaduna State Government to urgently work with security agencies to secure the safe release of the victims and provide support for affected families.
They also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle banditry warning that continued delay could worsen the suffering of victims families and weaken public confidence.
As of the time of filing this report security agencies had yet to issue an official response on the incident.