Thirty-seven worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday church raids in Southern Kaduna have remained in captivity for five months, Amnesty International has said, raising fresh concerns over the Nigerian government’s failure to protect civilians from armed groups.
The victims were abducted on April 5, 2026, during attacks on churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Amnesty International said the abductions were among several incidents highlighting what it described as the failure of the Nigerian authorities to adequately protect communities in Southern Kaduna.
The rights group said three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community had died in captivity this week.
It identified one of the victims as Joy Samuel, who reportedly died on August 28 after giving birth under deplorable conditions. Her newborn baby also died.
Another victim, 34-year-old Yusuf Bawa, and his five-year-old son reportedly died after suffering severe illness and hunger while in captivity.
Amnesty International said the deaths and serious illnesses suffered by the captives underscored the alleged brutal conditions under which they are being held.
According to the organisation, abductees are repeatedly threatened with death, denied adequate food, beaten and subjected to other forms of degrading treatment. Women and girls in captivity are also reportedly subjected to sexual violence.
The rights group warned that recurring attacks, kidnappings for ransom and killings have created a climate of fear across parts of Southern Kaduna, disrupting farming, education and other aspects of community life.
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to urgently intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the 37 worshippers and other people being held captive by armed groups across the country.
It also called on the authorities to fulfil Nigeria’s national and international human rights obligations by taking effective measures to protect civilians and prevent further abductions and killings.
