Panic has continues to grip Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the abduction of 32 residents by armed bandits over a month ago.
The kidnappers are demanding ₦30 million and four motorcycles for the release of the captives.
The victims, including women, children, and a heavily pregnant woman, were reportedly seized during a midnight raid on February 9, 2026.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the farming communities, firing gunshots and forcing residents out of their homes before taking the villagers to an undisclosed location.
Elisha Musa, a resident, recalled the ordeal: “We were asleep when we started hearing gunshots everywhere. The bandits invaded our community and abducted many people. They later called, demanding ₦30 million and four motorcycles for their release.”
Musa said the residents have sold their properties and farm produce to meet the ransom but have been unable to raise the full amount.
“The kidnappers have warned that they will begin killing the captives if their demands are not met,” he added.
Adams Solomon, youth leader of Kutaho, said the attack has forced many residents to flee.
“People are living in fear, and farming has been disrupted. We appeal to the government to rescue the abducted villagers so that life can return to normal,” he said.
Another resident, David Amana, said poor infrastructure and lack of telecommunications coverage have made it difficult to reach security agencies during such attacks.
Rev. John Maiaper, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Aribi Ward, said the raids have devastated farming, the mainstay of the community.
“Kutaho, once known for ginger farming, now mainly produces maize, groundnut, and millet,” he said.
Pastor Bello Danasabe of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) said insecurity has worsened residents’ economic conditions, making survival increasingly difficult.
As of Monday, neither the Kaduna State Police Command nor the state government had commented on the incident.
