The Adara Development Association (ADA) has reported that in the first quarter of 2024, there were 35 instances of security breaches across Adara territory in Kaduna and Niger states. According to their statement issued by the National President of the association, Sebastian Barde, during this period, more than 29 villages were attacked, resulting in 41 fatalities, 24 injuries, and 222 kidnappings, with many individuals still held captive.
Barde further revealed that over the course of the quarter, 35 houses were destroyed, and a total ransom of N88 million has been confirmed as paid thus far. He provided a breakdown of the impact, indicating that Kachia and Kajuru Local Government Areas (LGAs) recorded 20 and 21 fatalities respectively. Additionally, 98, 112, and 12 individuals were kidnapped in Kachia, Kajuru, and Adara communities, respectively. The ransom payments made by Adara communities in Kachia, Kajuru, and Niger State were N23 million, N58 million, and N7 million respectively.
The National President expressed dismay over recent incidents, including the killing of a woman in Ungwan Machu, Chibiya, Maro Ward, where parts of her body were mutilated, and the bandits prevented her burial. He also cited the abduction of six individuals in Ungwan Maigari, Ankwa Ward, Kachia on March 31, and six more abducted in Gadnaji, Agunu Ward, on April 3, 2924.
Barde emphasized the association’s concern regarding the recurring massacres, mass abductions, and exorbitant ransoms imposed on their people. Specific instances mentioned include the killing of 11 individuals in Ungwan Sako, 13 in Gindin Dutse, and the abduction of 29, 33, and 61 individuals in other locations, along with substantial ransom payments extorted from various communities.