Over ₦100 Million Paid in Ransom as More Than 100 Akurmi Residents Remain Kidnapped – AKURDA Raises Alarm

By Adamu Yusuf

The Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) has raised serious concerns over the escalating insecurity in Akurmi communities in southern Kaduna, disclosing that more than 100 people have been kidnapped across several communities, with over ₦100 million paid as ransom to secure the release of some victims.

AKURDA made this revelation on Tuesday during a world press conference held at the SOKAPU National Secretariat in Kaduna, describing the situation as a grave humanitarian and security crisis that threatens the survival of the Akurmi people.

Speaking at the event, the National President of AKURDA, Mr. Yakubu J. Maigamo, stated that the communities are facing relentless attacks involving killings, mass abductions, and widespread economic devastation.

He explained that entire communities have been impoverished, as families are forced to sell farm produce and personal belongings to meet the ransom demands of armed groups operating freely in the area.

Maigamo emphasized that the association is not merely presenting figures for sympathy but speaking on behalf of people suffering in captivity, families living in constant fear, and communities stripped of safety and dignity.

He recalled that in the Karku-Ningi community of Kauru Local Government Area, an attack on October 29, 2025, claimed four lives, while nine other residents—including women and children—were abducted and remain in captivity.

According to him, coordinated attacks on Gidan-Waya, Jan-Tsauni, and Mai-Yamma communities in Lere Local Government Area on November 11, 2025, resulted in the killing of four persons, the abduction of 13 residents, and injuries to three others.

AKURDA further listed other affected Akurmi communities in Lere Local Government Area, including Majagada (where 14 people were kidnapped and five killed), Gurza (six persons abducted), Garun-Kurama (11 abductions), and Biman-Kurama (three residents taken hostage).

The association stated that between 2025 and early 2026, at least 12 Akurmi persons were killed, while dozens remain in captivity, bringing the total number of kidnapped persons to over 100.

While acknowledging efforts by the Federal and Kaduna State Governments, AKURDA noted that the response remains inadequate and warned that continued inaction is emboldening criminal elements.

The association called on the Kaduna State Government to urgently deploy adequate security personnel to all affected communities and initiate intelligence-driven operations to rescue abducted victims and restore peace.

AKURDA also demanded thorough investigations into the attacks, along with the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The association appealed to civil society organisations, humanitarian agencies, traditional and religious leaders, and the international community to support its call for justice, safety, and the protection of lives and property.