A coalition of 31 civil society organisations under the aegis of Civil Society for Good Governance and Accountability has called on the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government to urgently uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations through concrete and measurable actions to address worsening insecurity in parts of the state.
In a strongly worded statement jointly signed by leaders of the groups, the organisations decried what they described as the complicity of state actors, alleging a pattern of denial, deception, and persecution instead of transparency, justice, and protection of innocent citizens.
The groups condemned the recent attack on Ariko Community in Awon Ward of Kachia Local Government Area, which occurred on Easter Sunday. According to the statement, heavily armed terrorists stormed both the First ECWA Church and a Catholic Church during worship, killing five persons and abducting 38 others.
Describing the incident as more than a security lapse, the coalition said the assault on two places of worship on one of Christianity’s most sacred days represents “a grave and familiar affront” that demands urgent and sincere government response.
The statement also faulted claims by the Nigerian Army that 31 abducted victims had been rescued, noting that the affected community has denied the report. It added that families of the victims remain in contact with the abductors, who reportedly confirmed that all captives are still being held.
Raising further concerns, the coalition alleged intimidation and persecution of victims and individuals speaking out on the crisis. It strongly opposed the suspension of the Speaker of Kachia Local Government Legislative Council, Hon. Mark Bawa, who had granted a media interview on the situation, and called for his immediate and unconditional reinstatement.
The organisations expressed alarm over disclosures by the Kachia Local Government Chairman that no fewer than 74 communities have been deserted due to persistent insecurity, describing the development as a humanitarian crisis requiring urgent intervention.
They further highlighted similar incidents across Kaduna State, including abductions in Zunturum and Maro Kasuwa in Kachia LGA, and deadly attacks in Kahir, Kagarko LGA, where 13 people were reportedly killed and 28 others abducted in a night raid. Victims from Kajuru Local Government Area were also said to remain in captivity.
“These are not just statistics but human lives—mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents—whose safe return must be the top priority of security agencies,” the statement emphasized.
The coalition called on the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to redirect operational efforts toward the immediate rescue of all abducted persons and to ensure the safe return of displaced residents to their communities.
It also urged the government to establish protective measures for individuals who report security challenges in their communities, warning against reprisals and suppression of free expression.
Reaffirming their commitment to justice and accountability, the groups insisted that all abducted persons from Ariko, Zunturum, Kahir, Maro Kasuwa, and other affected areas must be rescued without delay, while displaced communities must be supported to rebuild and return home safely.
The statement was endorsed by prominent individuals and organisations, including House of Justice, Community Development and Rights Advocacy Foundation, Middle Belt Concern, Atrocities Watch Africa, Southern Kaduna Indigenous Progressive Forum, and several youth, women, and professional groups.
Rel/Shindong Bala
