Concern is mounting among families of worshippers kidnapped during a church attack in Kaduna State after the abductors made contact but failed to state their demands.
Gunmen struck on Easter Sunday, attacking multiple churches—including St Augustine Catholic Church, Baptist Church and ECWA Church—in Ariko community, Kachia Local Government Area.
Speaking to journalists, Ephraim John, a relative of one of the victims, said the attackers used a victim’s mobile phone to reach out shortly after the abduction.
“They called one of my cousins using his father’s phone. His father is among those taken,” he said.
John explained that the callers identified themselves as kidnappers and indicated they were moving the victims to another location, promising to make further contact later.
“They told him they would call again when they arrive at their destination,” he added.
Since that initial contact, however, there has been no follow-up communication and no ransom request, deepening fears among affected families.
“Our people are worried. We have not heard from them again,” John said.
The attack underscores the continuing security challenges in Kaduna State and the wider north-west region, where armed groups have carried out repeated kidnappings and assaults on communities.
Residents say the lack of communication from the abductors has only increased uncertainty, as families wait anxiously for news of their relatives.
