HURIWA Demands Immediate Rescue of Kaduna Church Worshippers, Other Kidnapped Children

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of dozens of Nigerians currently being held captive by terrorists and bandits across different parts of the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, the rights advocacy group expressed particular concern over the fate of 37 worshippers abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State during an Easter Sunday attack nearly two months ago.

The group commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering a swift response to the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State but stressed that every Nigerian life deserves equal protection regardless of religion, ethnicity, or geographical location.

According to HURIWA, the Ariko attack saw armed terrorists storm three churches, killing seven worshippers before abducting 37 others, including women, children, a pregnant woman, and an elderly visually impaired person.

“The continued detention of these innocent Nigerians is unacceptable and highlights the need for more effective security measures to protect vulnerable communities,” the group said.

HURIWA also drew attention to the kidnapping of 11 schoolchildren from Akwondo village, also in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on April 16, 2026. The organisation noted that despite the passage of several weeks, there has been limited public attention and mobilisation towards securing their release.

The rights group further expressed concern over reports that 42 children, including toddlers and young minors, were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents from Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

It argued that the victims in Kaduna and Borno deserve the same level of urgency and commitment demonstrated in other high-profile kidnapping cases across the country.

HURIWA subsequently called on President Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and other relevant security agencies to launch coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the release of all the victims.

Specifically, the group demanded immediate action to rescue the 37 worshippers abducted from Ariko village, the 11 schoolchildren kidnapped from Akwondo village, and the 42 children reportedly taken from Mussa community.

The organisation also urged security agencies to provide regular updates to the public on efforts being made to rescue the victims and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions.

HURIWA said it stands in solidarity with the affected families and reiterated that the Nigerian government has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and ensure the freedom and security of all citizens.