Despite months of ransom negotiations and payments, terrorists have killed six captives abducted from Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims included a Catholic catechist, a bride-to-be identified as Peace Lami Williams, and four others, after 120 days in captivity.
Background of the Abduction
On February 9, 2026, heavily armed bandits invaded Kutaho and Kugir communities in a midnight raid, firing sporadically before forcing villagers from their homes and marching them into the forest. A total of 32 victims were kidnapped during the attack.
According to a church source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, the incident has thrown the agrarian communities into mourning and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation. The source disclosed that the communities made frantic efforts to secure the freedom of the abductees through ransom payments and contributions from residents, many of whom reportedly sold personal belongings and farm produce in the hope of bringing their loved ones home alive.
Ransom Demands and Payments
Community sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million and four motorcycles for the release of the captives. Despite months of negotiations and financial contributions by residents, the bandits later insisted on an additional N15 million before releasing the remaining victims.
“The community has been raising the money by itself. People contributed whatever they could and even sold valuables, hoping everyone would return alive,” one source said. The source lamented that despite the sacrifices made by residents, six of the captives were eventually killed.
Victims Identified
Those killed were identified as Friday Agama, Kunama Dogo, Monday Tanko, Peace Lami Williams, a man identified only as Pawpaw’s brother, and the Catholic catechist, who was reportedly subjected to severe torture before dying in captivity.
Before the invasion, the gunmen reportedly contacted a parishioner, Bulus Alim, demanding N10 million and threatening to attack the community if the money was not paid. The source said the bandits specifically cited the community’s thriving ginger cultivation and irrigation farming as evidence that residents had the financial capacity to meet their demands.
Release of Some Captives
Community sources further pointed out that women and children abducted during the attack were released on Easter Sunday. The wife of the slain Catholic catechist, who was pregnant when abducted, was among those freed. She later gave birth on Easter Wednesday after returning to the community.
All abductees from Kugir community have now regained their freedom. Two of the released victims, Williams Ishaya and Iliya Dauda, are currently receiving medical treatment in Kachia for injuries and trauma sustained during captivity. Two others, identified as Shedrack and Daniel Ganga, were also released and have since reunited with their families.
Calls for Government Intervention
The latest killings have reignited calls for urgent government intervention to stem the growing wave of banditry in Southern Kaduna. Residents said the prolonged captivity, repeated ransom demands, and eventual killing of six victims have devastated the affected communities and weakened their means of livelihood.
They appealed to Governor Uba Sani, the Federal Government, and security agencies to intensify rescue operations, strengthen security presence in vulnerable rural communities, and ensure that those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted. Community members also expressed concern that despite complying with ransom demands through self-help efforts, they still lost six of their loved ones, describing the development as a painful reminder of the insecurity confronting rural communities.
