Thirty-seven residents of Ariko Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have denied reports suggesting they regained their freedom after an alleged ransom payment of N1 billion and the provision of 30 Honda motorcycles to their captors, saying they remain in terrorists’ custody more than two months after their abduction.
The victims made the assertion in a video recorded in Hausa, featuring both the abductees and the armed men holding them. The footage challenges widespread claims that negotiations had secured their release.
In the video, one of the terrorists questioned the captives about reports that they had already been freed.
“Where are you people now?” the gunman asked.
“We are in the bush,” one of the victims replied.
The gunman continued by asking where those who had been abducted were being kept, and the victim again answered, “In the bush.”
Asked how long they had been there, the captive responded, “Since April.”
The gunman then sought confirmation, asking, “So you’re still there?”
“Yes, we’re still here,” the victim answered.
The terrorist also referred to reports alleging that N1 billion and 30 Honda motorcycles had been exchanged for the victims’ release, asking whether the information was true.
The captive dismissed the claim, saying, “No. Whoever said that is lying. Yes. We are still here in the bush, suffering, and people are dying.”
He continued, “They lied by saying that we had been rescued, that people came, negotiated, secured our release, and freed us from the hands of the bandits. But here we are, still in the bush.”
According to the abductees, they have now spent 74 days in captivity with no sign of release. They said conditions in the terrorists’ camp have deteriorated and claimed that some of those kidnapped have died as a result of starvation and the harsh environment.
Their latest account directly contradicts reports that they had been freed following an alleged ransom deal involving N1 billion and 30 motorcycles, raising renewed concerns over their safety and the accuracy of earlier claims regarding their release.
The victims were kidnapped during a coordinated attack on Ariko Community on Easter Sunday, April 5, when terrorists stormed the First ECWA Church and St Augustine Catholic Church during worship. At least seven people were reportedly killed in the attack, while several worshippers and residents were taken away by the attackers.
