The Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF) has urged the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to step up and accelerate efforts toward rescuing worshippers abducted during Easter celebrations in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area.
The appeal was contained in a communique issued at the end of the forum’s congress in Kaduna and signed by its Chairman, Ango Bally.
Bally noted that the abducted worshippers, along with several other kidnapping victims across Southern Kaduna, have spent over two months in captivity.
“The continued captivity of the worshippers and other victims of kidnapping demands urgent action from government and security agencies,” he said.
The forum painted a grim picture of the security situation in parts of Southern Kaduna, warning that repeated abductions and violent attacks have forced families from their homes and left communities gripped by fear.
It further observed that the worsening insecurity is already taking a heavy toll on livelihoods, as farming and commercial activities are being disrupted, slowing down socio-economic life in affected areas.
The communique also pointed to disturbing reports that some communities are now compelled to negotiate with armed groups for survival, describing it as a sign of deepening desperation among residents.
According to the forum, this situation highlights the urgent need for stronger state intervention and a more coordinated security response across the region.
It called for an expanded security presence in vulnerable communities, including the establishment of additional operational bases, as well as closer cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and recognised vigilante groups.
The congress also pushed for improved intelligence gathering and stronger early-warning systems to help prevent attacks and strengthen community safety.
The forum urged security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and those who support them.
“Justice is necessary to deter criminality and restore public confidence in state institutions,” Bally stated.
Reaffirming its professional duty, SKJF restated its commitment to ethical journalism, calling on journalists to maintain high standards of accuracy, verification, and fact-checking in reporting security-related issues.
It stressed that responsible reporting remains key to keeping the public informed without inflaming tensions or spreading misinformation.
The forum added that restoring peace and security would help revive agriculture, stimulate trade, and rebuild investor confidence in Southern Kaduna.
It concluded that sustained rescue operations and visible improvements in security are essential to restoring public trust in government’s ability to protect lives and property.
