Nigerian Media Silence as Six Hostages Endure a Sixth Month of Captivity
By Luka Binniyat
(Kaduna) – Eight out of 37 Christians abducted on Easter Sunday 2026 by Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) from three Churches in Ariko village, Kachia county of Kaduna state have returned home, TruthNigeria has confirmed. An Ai search showed no coverage of the return apart from social media posts by Reuben Buhari and TruthNigeria.com.
This is coming after no less than 21 Christians hostages hostages taken from Ariko and a neighbouring village called Awon have reportedly died of hunger and other extreme conditions in the camp of FEM.
According to Mr Reuben Buhari, former Press Secretary to former Kaduna State Governor, Sir Patrick Yakowa, their return was after a devastating experience.
“It’s a pyrrhic return after grievous consequences,” he told TruthNigeria in Kaduna, Oct 7.
Pyrrhic Return of Eight
Buhari, co-founder of Humanitarian Aid And Dialogue Initiative (RADi) before speaking to ThruthNigeria had posted on his Facebook that: “The nearly 6-months captivity of the 37 people kidnapped from Ariko village, Kachia LGA, on April 5th has ended,” Buhari a native of nearby Awon village, about 3 miles from Ariko said.
“The last 8 victims have been released thanks to the efforts of the Kaduna State government and security forces,” he said.
17 Died Of Hunger
At least 5 people were killed on the day of the kidnapping in the village on Easter Sunday, and a total of 37 people were kidnapped, according to Bhari. “12 individuals escaped at various times from captivity” he added. “17 died while in captivity; 8 individuals were finally rescued,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the bodies of the 17 who died in captivity still lie in the bush and may never be recovered,” said
“This marks the conclusion of an unfortunate saga, but for those who were freed, it persists. They will continue living with their trauma!” Buhari said.
An Unknown Deal Between FEM And Government
“Special thanks to Governor Uba Sani and the security personnel for their role in the rescue effort,” according to Buhari.
When TruthNigeria asked if the freed eight hostages were rescued through military efforts or after ransom payments he said, “I do not know how they were rescued. But I am informed that it was through the efforts of the state government,” he said.
A source from Ariko village, taking refuge in Kaduna, who spoke to TruthNigeria on grounds that his name not be mentioned, said that “much pressure was mounted on the government, and it agreed to a deal with the Fulani armed kidnappers,” according to the source. He said that the kidnappers had several meetings with the government and that the terrorists boasted about their invincibility each time they returned after such a meeting.
“One of those that returned is my brother,” he said.
“He returned just like a skeleton but he is responding to treatment in a hospital with five others that were freed with him,” he said.
“He told me that it was after one of the meetings that the bandits came and told them to leave; that they were free to go,” he said.
“There was no exchange of fire between the terrorists and the military.
“They were just told to go,” he said.
“They left behind the corpses of several others who had died of starvation and malaria,” he added.
They Returned As Skeletons
“Two adult men, three married women and three children aged between 11 and 13 came back in skeletal forms,” he added.
According to him, he was told that hostages taken from Awon village are still being held by the terrorists.
“They have refused to release the Awon hostages,” he said.
Reuben Buhari confirmed to TruthNigeria that indeed the Awon hostages are still held by the terrorists who abducted the Ariko natives.
“Today is 170 days since their abduction he said,”
“I have a cousin among them. We are very worried about the conditions which we learned are very horrible. We don’t know why they only freed the surviving Ariko hostages without those from Awon,” he said
On October 7, 2026, Buhari posted on his Facebook page: “Three-year-old Silvia Samuel has been held captive for 170 days after being kidnapped from Awon Village in Kachia LGA on 20 April,” the post reads with a picture showing the blurred face of the girl.
Tragic End of New-Born Baby and Mother
“She and her pregnant mother were abducted while walking. Eleven people were taken that day,” the post reads.
According to Buhari, one hostage later escaped and four died out of starvation, leaving six victims still alive: one male and five females.
“While in captivity, Silvia’s mother gave birth, but the baby died. In September, she also died, leaving Silvia alone,” he said.
“Among the remaining six are Faith, 14, whose little brother, Devine, also died in the camp after crying for days from hunger.
“There is also 14-year-old Racheal. These children are now in their 6th month of captivity,” he pointed out.
“Meanwhile, Silvia’s father has now lost both his wife and his newborn child, while his only surviving daughter, aged 3, is in her 6th month in the bush and critically ill.
Horrible Situation Of Remaining Hostages
“Reports say the remaining six are covered in sores from insect bites, have ringworm on their scalps, have bleeding gums and decaying teeth, and are severely emaciated from acute hunger and constant illness after five months of exposure to the open weather,” he said.
Luka Binniyat is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
