Amnesty accuses Nigeria of failing to free 37 abducted worshippers

Crime

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Amnesty International says 37 worshippers abducted during Easter Sunday services on 5 April 2026 in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have remained in captivity for five months and that conditions have worsened. The group reported alleged threats, starvation, sexual violence, beatings and other degrading treatment, and said three of 11 people abducted from nearby Awon community recently died, including a woman who gave birth and her newborn and a man and his five-year-old son who died from illness and hunger. Amnesty called on the government to intensify efforts to secure safe releases and meet human rights obligations.

Thirty-seven worshippers remain captive after five months