At least six abductees, including a Catholic catechist and a bride-to-be, have reportedly been killed by terrorists after spending about 120 days in captivity despite months of ransom negotiations and payments by their communities.
The victims were among 32 residents abducted on February 9, 2026, when heavily armed terrorists invaded Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, firing sporadically before forcing residents from their homes and marching them into the forest.
According to community and church sources, the victims were killed despite sustained efforts by residents to secure their release through ransom payments and community fundraising.
A church source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the development to journalists on Tuesday.
The deceased were identified as Friday Agama, Kunama Dogo, Monday Tanko, Peace Lami Williams, who was preparing for her wedding before her abduction, a man identified simply as Pawpaw’s brother, and the Catholic catechist, who was reportedly subjected to severe torture before dying in captivity.
Community sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million and four motorcycles for the release of the captives. After months of negotiations and partial payments, the terrorists allegedly demanded an additional N15 million before agreeing to free the remaining hostages.
Residents reportedly raised the ransom through personal contributions, with many selling farm produce and other valuables in a desperate effort to save the abductees.
“The community has been raising the money by itself. People contributed whatever they could and even sold valuables, hoping everyone would return alive,” one community source said.
Despite the financial sacrifices and prolonged negotiations, six of the abductees were reportedly killed while still in captivity.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity and persistent cases of mass abductions in parts of Kaduna State, where communities continue to bear the burden of ransom demands amid repeated attacks by armed groups.