Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Tragedy has struck the Kutaho community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as six residents abducted by terrorists were reportedly killed despite the payment of a substantial ransom by members of the community. The victims were among several residents kidnapped when armed men attacked the Southern Kaduna community on February 9, 2026. The community had raised a significant sum through donations and the sale of personal property in a desperate effort to secure the release of all the abductees, but their hopes were shattered.
Sources familiar with the incident identified the deceased as Friday Agama, Kunama Dogo, Monday Tanko, Lami Williams, a man identified only as 'Pawpaw's brother,' and another captive known as 'Catchiest,' who reportedly died after being severely tortured by the kidnappers. Friday Agama was said to be the first hostage executed during the captivity. Despite the tragic loss of life, four abductees were reported to have regained their freedom. Two of the survivors, Williams Ishaya and Iliya Dauda, are receiving medical treatment in Kachia for injuries and trauma sustained during their captivity. Two others, identified as Shedrack and Daniel Ganga, were also released and were reportedly on their way home.
The incident has renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity in Southern Kaduna, with community members questioning the effectiveness of government efforts to curb banditry and protect vulnerable rural communities. The development is heartbreaking, as the community had raised a substantial ransom, reportedly amounting to ₦30 million and four motorcycles, to secure the release of the abductees. In March, reports indicated that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the abductees if the ransom was not paid, a grim warning that has now been carried out.
Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations, improve security across affected areas, and ensure those responsible for the killings are arrested and prosecuted. The Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, has been under pressure to address the escalating insecurity in the state, but this incident underscores the persistent challenges facing rural communities.
The abduction in Kutaho is part of a broader pattern of violence in Southern Kaduna. Residents of Kutaho and neighbouring communities have repeatedly come under attack by armed groups engaging in kidnapping and killings. In a related incident, on April 5, 2026, bandits abducted residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area on Easter Sunday, demanding a N1 billion ransom. The persistent attacks have forced many residents to flee their homes, while others have been left to live in constant fear.
As the community mourns the loss of six of its own, the question remains: how long will innocent Nigerians continue to pay the ultimate price for the government's failure to protect them? The killing of the six abductees despite the payment of ransom serves as a grim reminder of the brutal reality facing communities in Southern Kaduna, where bandits continue to operate with impunity, and where the payment of ransom offers no guarantee of safety.
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