The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement has criticised the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government over the continued captivity of 37 worshippers abducted during an Easter Day attack on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Drivetvnews gathered In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, the group described the prolonged detention of the victims as a national disgrace, accusing the authorities of failing in their constitutional responsibility to protect citizens.
According to the movement, the worshippers have remained in captivity for 102 days after they were kidnapped during the April 5, 2026 attack on Ariko village. The assault reportedly claimed five lives, left several people injured, and resulted in the abduction of 37 residents, including women, children, elderly blind persons, and sick individuals.
Sanyaolu said every additional day the victims remain in captivity highlights the government’s inability to guarantee the safety of Nigerians.
The group alleged that the abductees have endured harsh conditions, including wearing the same clothes for over three months, sleeping on bare ground without shelter, and suffering from hunger, illness, insect bites, and exposure to harsh weather.
TIB also claimed the victims had witnessed disturbing incidents while in captivity and expressed concern over reports that the kidnappers were demanding ₦1 billion and 35 motorcycles as ransom—terms it described as impossible for the victims’ families to meet.
The organisation further accused authorities of failing to carry out a serious rescue operation and warned that the perceived abandonment of affected communities had deepened public frustration over worsening insecurity.
It also raised concerns over allegations that residents who speak publicly about the victims’ plight face intimidation instead of support.
“The primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. Any government that cannot rescue its citizens after more than 100 days in captivity is failing in its constitutional obligation,” Sanyaolu said.
The movement called on the government to deploy all available security and intelligence resources to secure the immediate rescue of the abductees, provide regular updates on rescue efforts, support affected families, and implement comprehensive reforms to tackle Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the victims’ families and the people of Ariko and neighbouring communities, the group insisted that the country must not continue to normalise prolonged kidnappings and insecurity.
