The Kuturmi Unity Development Association, KUDA, led the community in lamentation of the plight of Christians kidnapped during Easter Worship by bandits, who have spent 70 days in captivity.

The Association appealed to all levels of government to act fast and secure the release of worshippers abducted during an Easter Sunday Service in Ariko, Kaduna. The victims have now spent over 70 days in captivity, they lamented.

KUDA said the community is distressed by the continued silence and neglect from authorities. The group argued the silence has left the abducted Christians and their families at the mercy of their captors, with almost no updates or intervention from government.

In a statement signed by the President J.D. Ariko and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel, KUDA highlighted the growing humanitarian crisis. They’re calling on government and security agencies to do the needful and ensure all abducted victims in Ariko and nearby areas are safely released.

Also, the elderly are reportedly dying under deplorable conditions. Despite the scale of suffering, KUDA says government response has remained grossly inadequate and largely absent.