CAN, ACF Express Concern as 166 Kaduna Worshippers Remain in Captivity

Ten days after armed assailants abducted worshippers from Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, at least 166 victims are still being held captive, heightening fear and distress among families, religious groups, and community leaders.

The abduction occurred when bandits invaded three churches during worship services, firing shots indiscriminately, injuring several individuals, and forcing dozens of residents into the surrounding forest.

Reacting to the incident, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) expressed deep concern over the prolonged detention of the worshippers and called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing their immediate release.

The ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the incident as a troubling reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security situation and warned of its broader implications for national stability. He said the group was profoundly saddened by the development, stressing that it underscored the urgent need for more decisive action against insecurity.

Muhammad-Baba emphasized that rescuing the abducted worshippers should be treated as an absolute priority, noting that the victims were likely enduring severe hardship in captivity. He described the continued detention as unacceptable and raised serious humanitarian concerns, warning that authorities must not underestimate the scale of the security challenges confronting the country.

He further called for uncompromising action against criminal and terrorist groups, insisting that those responsible must be decisively neutralized. While expressing confidence in the capabilities of the security forces, he stressed the need for adequate support, empowerment, and accountability, alongside stronger collaboration with local communities.

“This is a national emergency that must be addressed without delay or compromise,” he said.

The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also reacted, with its chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, urging families of the abducted worshippers to remain calm and hopeful while assuring them that efforts were ongoing to secure their release.

Hayab acknowledged that the period had been emotionally draining for families, especially amid initial denials and conflicting accounts of the incident. He noted that assurances were later received from the government that all necessary steps would be taken to rescue the victims.

According to him, after reporting the incident to security agencies and committing the situation to prayer, discreet and strategic measures were now being pursued to ensure the safe return of those abducted. He added that behind-the-scenes engagements were ongoing and called for collective support to hasten a positive outcome.

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Lawal Adamu Usman, visited injured victims receiving treatment at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, where he described the attack as reprehensible and unacceptable.

The senator sympathised with the injured worshippers and assured them and their families that efforts were being made to ensure the safe return of their abducted loved ones. He disclosed that he was in constant contact with security agencies and other stakeholders, adding that the National Assembly would explore all legitimate avenues to support the rescue operation.

Usman reaffirmed lawmakers’ commitment to strengthening security through legislative action and advocacy, particularly in vulnerable communities across Kaduna State.

Following his hospital visit, the senator proceeded to Kurmin Wali community to meet with relatives of the abducted worshippers, encouraging them to remain hopeful and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information.

He also paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Agom Kufana Chiefdom, Chief Titus Dauda, who thanked him for the visit and appealed to both federal and state governments to increase security presence in Kajuru and surrounding areas.

The monarch stressed the importance of sustained patrols and proactive intelligence gathering to restore public confidence, assuring continued community cooperation with security agencies while praying for the safe and speedy return of all abducted worshippers.