By Adamu Yusuf
The Akurmi Development Association AKURDA has raised serious concern over worsening insecurity in Akurmi communities of southern Kaduna, revealing that more than 100 persons have been kidnapped across several communities, with over ₦100 million paid as ransom to secure the release of some victims.
AKURDA made the disclosure on Tuesday during a world press conference held at the SOKAPU National Secretariat in Kaduna, describing the situation as a grave humanitarian and security crisis threatening the survival of the Akurmi people.
Speaking at the event, the National President of AKURDA, Mr. Yakubu J. Maigamo, said the communities were facing relentless attacks marked by killings, mass abductions and economic devastation.
He explained that entire communities had been impoverished as families were forced to sell farm produce and personal belongings to raise ransom demanded by armed groups operating freely in the area.
Maigamo said the association was not merely presenting figures for sympathy but speaking for people suffering in captivity, families living in fear and communities stripped of safety and dignity.
He recalled that in Karku-Ningi community of Kauru Local Government Area, an attack on October 29, 2025, claimed four lives, while nine other residents, including women and children, were abducted and remain in captivity.
According to him, coordinated attacks on Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni and Mai-Yamma communities in Lere Local Government Area on November 11, 2025, led to the killing of four persons, the abduction of 13 residents and injuries to three others.
AKURDA further listed other affected Akurmi communities in Lere Local Government Area, including Majagada, where 14 people were kidnapped and five killed; Gurza, where six persons were abducted; Garun-Kurama, which recorded 11 abductions; and Biman-Kurama, where three residents were taken hostage.
The association stated that between 2025 and early 2026, at least 12 Akurmi persons were killed, while dozens remain in captivity, bringing the total number of kidnapped persons to over 100.
While acknowledging efforts by the Federal and Kaduna State Governments, AKURDA noted that the response remained inadequate and warned that continued inaction was emboldening criminal elements.
The association called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently deploy adequate security personnel to all affected communities and initiate intelligence-driven operations to rescue abducted victims and restore peace.
AKURDA also demanded thorough investigations into the attacks and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The association appealed to civil society organisations, humanitarian agencies, traditional and religious leaders and the international community to support its call for justice, safety and the protection of lives and property.
