C&S Urges Government to Act on Abducted Kaduna Worshippers

The Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to step up efforts to address the country’s worsening security situation following the abduction of more than 160 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on January 18.

The call was made by the church’s Supreme Head, Emmanuel Alogbo, on Monday during a world press conference held ahead of the church’s 2026 Annual General Conference at Seraphim Land in Ogun State.

Alogbo described the incident as a painful national tragedy and appealed to the government to further equip the Armed Forces with modern tools and resources to enhance their effectiveness.

He said the church was deeply concerned about the loss of innocent lives, the displacement of families, and the growing fear in many communities across the country. According to him, 151 members of the church remain in captivity after being kidnapped during a Sunday service on January 18, 2026, at Wali in Kajuru LGA. While acknowledging the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in tackling insecurity, he noted that the recent surge in kidnappings requires urgent and decisive action.

Alogbo added that the church is working with its state chapters to relocate worship centres from remote and high-risk areas to safer locations. He also said the church is using its platform within the Christian Association of Nigeria to push for stronger security measures nationwide.

The church’s forthcoming Annual General Conference, themed “An Unhidden City” (Matthew 5:14), is scheduled to hold from January 29 to February 1 at Saviour’s Ministries (C&S), Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State. The event aims to provide spiritual guidance and practical direction during a challenging period, with activities including plenary teaching sessions, leadership and ministers’ forums, youth and women empowerment programmes, prayers and intercessions, and strategic discussions on the church’s future beyond its centenary.

Meanwhile, tension remains high in Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru LGA, where worshippers from three churches were abducted. Out of the 177 people initially taken, 11 later escaped, leaving 166 still in captivity more than a week after the attack. The victims include children as young as five, women, and elderly men.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria described the condition of the captives as distressing and life-threatening, noting that they are reportedly being forced to sleep outdoors in cold and harsh conditions without sufficient food or medical care. Its CEO, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, said the prolonged captivity has worsened the trauma experienced by victims’ families and weakened public confidence, especially after initial reports of the abduction were denied before being confirmed.

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has since visited Kurmin Wali, where he met with community leaders and families of the abducted worshippers. The state government was commended for providing medical support to those who escaped, repairing access roads to the village, and deploying security personnel to maintain calm.

However, Nmadu stressed that these steps are insufficient without the immediate rescue of those still held captive, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release and restore public trust.

Residents of Kurmin Wali continue to live in fear and uncertainty, holding on to hope for the safe return of their loved ones as the days in captivity continue.