Seven Abductees Reportedly Die in Kaduna Bandits’ Camp

Author: Gist Correspondent

Seven of the 37 residents of Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State who were abducted by bandits have reportedly died while in captivity, according to security analyst and conflict monitor, Reuben Buhari.

Buhari disclosed the development in a Facebook post on Friday, saying the information was provided by one of the victims recently released from the kidnappers' camp. He alleged that the deaths were caused by the harsh and inhumane conditions in which the captives were being held.

According to him, the deceased included two men, two women and three children. He further claimed that rather than burying the victims, the kidnappers allegedly dragged their bodies to a nearby hillside and abandoned them.

Among those said to have died was a baby reportedly born in captivity to a woman abducted from Ariko village. Buhari alleged that the infant survived for nearly three weeks before dying. He also claimed that when the mother went into labour, another female captive had to use her teeth to cut the baby's umbilical cord because no cutting instrument was available in the camp.

The security analyst also alleged that 11 residents of neighbouring Awon village, who were kidnapped separately, are being held in the same camp as the Ariko victims. He added that another pregnant woman abducted from Awon village on April 20 also gave birth in captivity about two weeks ago, but the newborn reportedly died a day after delivery.

Describing the conditions in the camp, Buhari said the released captive revealed that those still being held sleep in the open without protection from rain, cold or intense heat. He added that they sleep on wet ground after rainfall and that many of the children remaining in captivity are seriously ill.

Buhari noted that as of July 24, 2026, the Ariko victims had spent 110 days in captivity, while the Awon victims had been held for 95 days. He appealed for intensified efforts and prayers to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages.

The claims had not been independently verified by the time this report was filed.