No fewer than 166 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have remained in captivity for 10 days, heightening anxiety among families, religious organisations and community leaders.
The victims were kidnapped after armed bandits attacked three churches during worship sessions, firing sporadically, injuring several people and forcefully taking scores of residents into nearby forests.
Reacting to the development, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of the worshippers and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate release.
Speaking with Frontline Reporters in Kaduna on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the abduction as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security situation and its implications for national stability.
“Like every patriotic Nigerian, the ACF is gravely saddened by this incident. It is a clear reminder that much more needs to be done to tackle the scourge of insecurity, given its serious national security implications,” he said.
Muhammad-Baba stressed that rescuing the abducted worshippers must be treated as an urgent priority, noting that the victims were likely enduring severe hardship in captivity.
“The most pressing need is the rescue of these helpless victims, who are undoubtedly suffering unspeakable hardships in the hands of criminals devoid of basic human values such as mercy and compassion,” he said.
He warned that every additional day the victims remain in captivity was unacceptable and posed grave humanitarian concerns, adding that authorities must not underestimate the scale of the insecurity challenge confronting the nation.
“No one, least of all the Federal Government, should harbour any false confidence that the nation is not being held in the vice grip of criminal elements,” he said, calling for decisive action against terrorists and criminal groups.
“The terror merchants and their collaborators must be dealt decisive and devastating blows until they are unequivocally subdued,” Muhammad-Baba added.
While expressing confidence in the nation’s security forces, he said they must be adequately supported, empowered and held accountable, while local communities should be strengthened to work closely with security agencies.
“This is an emergency, and it must be treated as such. We must rise to this challenge without hesitation or compromise,” he said.
Also reacting, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, urged families of the abducted worshippers to remain calm and hopeful, assuring that efforts were ongoing to secure their release.
“Ten days is a long time for families and loved ones, but we should not despair. Instead, let us remain hopeful,” Hayab said.
He explained that the Christian body initially had to contend with denials and conflicting narratives following the abduction before receiving assurances from the government.
“We spent several days clearing the air from the initial denials before the government assured our people that it would not leave any stone unturned until all the kidnapped victims are brought back,” he said.
According to him, after reporting the incident to security agencies and committing the situation to prayer, discreet and strategic efforts were now underway.
“When you have made your complaint to the authorities and prayed to God for divine intervention, the next step is to talk less and take the necessary silent steps to overcome the problem,” Hayab said.
He added that behind-the-scenes engagements were ongoing to ensure the worshippers’ safe return.
“Many efforts are ongoing to bring our people back home. What we need now is to increase the pace and get everyone on board for a complete victory,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Lawal Adamu Usman, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, describing the attack as condemnable and unacceptable.
The lawmaker sympathised with the injured worshippers and assured them and their families that their abducted loved ones would return safely.
He said he was in constant communication with security agencies and key stakeholders, adding that the National Assembly would deploy all legitimate means to ensure the safe and unharmed release of the abducted victims.
Usman further stated that lawmakers remained committed to supporting security agencies through legislation and advocacy aimed at strengthening security operations, particularly in vulnerable communities across Kaduna State.
After the hospital visit, the senator proceeded to Kurmin Wali community, where he met with relatives of the abducted worshippers and urged them to remain hopeful while cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information.
He also paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Agom Kufana Chiefdom, Chief Titus Dauda.
The monarch commended the senator for the visit and appealed to the federal and state governments to intensify security presence in Kajuru and surrounding communities.
He stressed the need for sustained patrols and proactive intelligence gathering to restore confidence among residents, assuring continued community cooperation with security agencies while praying for the safe and speedy return of all abducted worshippers.
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2026-01-27