The Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF) has called on the Kaduna State Government, security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue worshippers abducted during Easter celebrations in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area.
This is contained in a communique signed by the forum’s Chairman, Ango Bally, at the end of its congress held in Kaduna.
Bally said that the worshippers had remained in captivity for more than two months, alongside several other kidnap victims across Southern Kaduna.
“The continued captivity of the worshippers and other victims of kidnapping demands urgent action from government and security agencies,” he said.
The forum described the security situation in parts of Southern Kaduna as alarming, noting that recurring kidnappings and attacks had displaced families and heightened fear among residents.
It said that the insecurity was disrupting farming and commercial activities, thereby threatening livelihoods and slowing socio-economic development in affected communities.
According to the communique, reports that some communities were negotiating with bandits for survival reflected growing desperation among residents.
The forum said that the development underscored the need for stronger government intervention and improved security measures across the region.
It called for increased security presence in vulnerable communities through additional operational bases and closer collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and recognised vigilante groups.
The congress also advocated strengthened intelligence gathering and effective early-warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and improve community safety.
The forum urged security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and their sponsors.
“Justice is necessary to deter criminality and restore public confidence in state institutions,” Bally stated.
SKJF reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and responsible journalism, urging media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, verification and fact-checking in reporting security issues.
It said that credible reporting remained essential to informing the public without escalating tensions or spreading misinformation.
The forum added that restoring security would revive agricultural production, boost commercial activities and improve investor confidence in Southern Kaduna.
It stressed that sustained rescue efforts and visible security improvements were critical to rebuilding public trust in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.