Amnesty International has raised fresh alarm over the continued captivity of 37 worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday church raids in Southern Kaduna, saying the victims have now spent five months in the hands of their abductors.
The rights organisation made the disclosure in a statement posted on its X account on Sunday, September 6, 2026, expressing deep concern over the fate of the victims abducted from churches in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on April 5.
Amnesty International described the incident as another indication of what it called the “utter failure of Nigerian authorities to protect the people,” while demanding urgent action to secure the release of the captives.
The organisation said three of the 11 people abducted from Awon community had died in captivity within the week.
According to Amnesty International, a woman identified as Joy Samuel died on August 28 after reportedly giving birth under “deplorable” conditions in captivity. The baby also died.
It added that 34-year-old Yusuf Bawa and his five-year-old son also died allegedly as a result of severe illness and hunger while in captivity.
“Deaths and severe illness these people are facing in captivity show the atrocities they are being subjected to,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation further alleged that the captives were repeatedly threatened with death and subjected to starvation, rape, beatings and other forms of dehumanising treatment.
“While in captivity, the abducted persons are always repeatedly threatened to be killed, starved, women and girls raped, beaten and dehumanized in so many ways,” it said.
Amnesty International warned that the security crisis extends beyond the abducted worshippers, saying recurring attacks, ransom kidnappings and killings continue to make life unbearable for residents across parts of Southern Kaduna.
“Recurring attacks, abductions for ransom, and killings are continuing to make life a hell in many parts of southern Kaduna,” the organisation said, adding that the resulting climate of fear was affecting agriculture, education and other aspects of social life.
The rights group called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the 37 worshippers and other people being held captive by armed groups across the country.
“The Nigerian government must deliver on its national and international human rights obligations by immediately redoubling efforts to ensure the safe release and return of not only the 37 worshippers abducted in Kachia LGA, but also all people held captive by gunmen across Nigeria,” Amnesty International said.
