Kaduna Abductees Deny Rescue Claim, Say “We’re Still in the Bush” After 74 Days in Captivity

“A heartbreaking testimony from captivity has reopened questions about the fate of 37 Kaduna residents who say they are still trapped in the bush despite claims they had been rescued.”

” Thirty-seven Kaduna abductees from Ariko Community have denied reports of their rescue, saying they remain in terrorists’ captivity 74 days after their abduction. The victims claimed they are still suffering in the bush despite reports of an alleged N1 billion ransom payment and 30 motorcycles to secure their release.”

“Thirty-seven abducted residents of Ariko Community in Kaduna State have broken their silence, rejecting claims that they were rescued after an alleged N1 billion ransom payment and the delivery of 30 motorcycles to their captors. In an emotional video from captivity, the victims said: “We’re still in the bush, suffering, and people are dying,” raising fresh concerns over their safety and the handling of kidnapping negotiations.”

Thirty-seven residents of Ariko Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have denied reports that they were released after an alleged ransom payment of N1 billion and the provision of 30 Honda motorcycles to their abductors.

The victims said they remain in terrorists’ custody more than two months after they were kidnapped, contradicting claims that negotiations had secured their freedom.

In a video recorded in Hausa and circulated online, the abductees were seen speaking alongside the armed men holding them. The footage appeared to challenge earlier reports suggesting that the victims had regained their freedom.

During the exchange, one of the armed men questioned the victims about reports that they had been rescued following the alleged payment of ransom and delivery of motorcycles.

“Where are you people now?” the armed man asked.
A visibly distressed victim responded: “We are in the bush.”

Asked about the location of the other abductees, the victim replied: “They are in the bush.”

The armed man then asked how long they had remained there.

“Since April,” the victim answered.
When asked if they were still in captivity, the victim replied: “Yes, we are still here.”

The armed man later referred to reports claiming that N1 billion and 30 Honda motorcycles were given to the terrorists and that the victims were released.

“Is it true?” he asked.
“No. Whoever said that is lying,” the victim responded
.
The victim further stated that the abductees were still suffering in captivity.
“We are still here in the bush, suffering, and people are dying,” he said.

The victim also accused authorities of giving misleading information about their situation, alleging that reports of their rescue were false.

“Honestly, our government and the people in power have deceived us. They should stop lying to us. We are still here in the bush, suffering. We know what we are going through — hunger and death,” the victim said.

He added that the abductees were being exposed to harsh conditions, including rain, hunger, and extreme weather, while waiting for help.

The victims claimed they had spent 74 days in captivity, with conditions in the terrorists’ camp worsening. They also alleged that some abductees had died due to the difficult circumstances.

The latest development has renewed concerns over the fate of the Ariko residents and raised questions about the accuracy of previous reports surrounding their alleged release.

The abduction followed an attack on April 5, when terrorists reportedly invaded Ariko Community on Easter Sunday, killing at least seven people and abducting residents during attacks on worshippers at the First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church.