SOUTHERN KADUNA JOURNALISTS FORUM CALLS FOR RESCUE OF ARIKO WORSHIPPERS, OTHER KIDNAP VICTIMS. (PHOTO).

 Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum Calls For Rescue Of Ariko Worshippers, Other Kidnap Victims

The Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum (SKJF) has called on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue worshippers abducted during Easter celebrations in Ariko Village, Kachia Local Government Area.

The appeal was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Forum’s congress in Kaduna and signed by its Chairman, Ango Bally. The congress reviewed security concerns affecting Southern Kaduna, alongside issues relating to the welfare and activities of the association.

The call comes amid reports that former Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Abubakar Rabe (rtd), who was abducted alongside his wife in Jikamshi, Katsina State two weeks ago, has reportedly died in captivity.

According to the communiqué, insecurity in Southern Kaduna continues to disrupt farming and commercial activities, threatening livelihoods and slowing socio-economic development in affected communities.

The document, jointly signed by Bosan Yakusak and Israel Bulus, Chairman and Secretary of the Communiqué Drafting Committee respectively, noted reports that some communities have resorted to negotiating with bandits for survival, describing the situation as a reflection of the growing desperation among residents.

The Forum said the development highlights the urgent need for stronger government intervention and improved security measures across the region.

SKJF called for increased security presence in vulnerable communities through the establishment of additional operational bases and stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and recognised vigilante groups.

The congress also advocated enhanced intelligence gathering and effective early-warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and improve community safety.

Furthermore, the Forum urged security agencies to ensure the arrest and prosecution of kidnappers and their sponsors, stressing that justice is necessary to deter criminality and restore public confidence in state institutions.

The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and responsible journalism, urging media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, verification and fact-checking, particularly in reporting security-related issues.

It noted that credible journalism remains essential to informing the public without escalating tensions or spreading misinformation.

According to the communiqué, restoring security would revive agricultural production, boost commercial activities and improve investor confidence in Southern Kaduna. It added that sustained rescue efforts and visible security improvements are critical to rebuilding public trust in the government’s ability to protect lives and property.

Meanwhile, the Southern Kaduna Journalists Forum commended Governor Uba Sani for his inclusive approach to governance and engagement with diverse stakeholders across Kaduna State. It urged the governor to sustain the approach in the interest of peace, unity and development.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies and government authorities, the Forum appealed for intensified measures to address security challenges affecting communities in Southern Kaduna.

The congress also stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations and legally recognised vigilante groups to strengthen intelligence gathering and community-based security mechanisms.

It further advocated the establishment of additional security formations and operational bases in vulnerable areas to improve response time and enhance the protection of lives and property.

The Forum concluded that greater synergy among stakeholders remains essential to consolidating gains recorded in the fight against insecurity across Southern Kaduna.