At least 166 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State remain in captivity ten days after gunmen stormed three churches during worship, deepening anxiety among families, religious leaders and local communities.
The attackers, described by residents as bandits, struck during church services, firing sporadically, injuring several people and abducting scores of worshippers who were forced into the surrounding forests.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed grave concern over the prolonged detention of the victims, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate release. Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday, the group’s national publicity secretary, Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the incident underlined the scale of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
“Like every patriotic Nigerian, ACF is gravely saddened by this incident,” Muhammad-Baba said. “It is a clear reminder that much more needs to be done to tackle the scourge of insecurity, given its serious implications for national stability.”
He said the rescue of the abducted worshippers must be treated as an urgent priority, warning that the victims were likely facing severe hardship in captivity. “Every additional day they remain in the hands of these criminals is unacceptable and raises grave humanitarian concerns,” he said, adding that authorities must not underestimate the challenge posed by armed groups.
The ACF called for decisive action against what it described as “terror merchants”, while stressing that security forces needed adequate support, empowerment and accountability, alongside stronger collaboration with local communities. “This is an emergency, and it must be treated as such,” Muhammad-Baba said.
Religious leaders have also appealed for calm. The chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, the Rev Joseph Hayab, urged families of the abducted worshippers to remain hopeful, saying efforts were under way to secure their release.
“Ten days is a long time for families and loved ones, but we should not despair,” Hayab said, acknowledging that initial days after the abduction were marked by confusion and official denials. He said assurances had since been received from the government and that discreet, strategic engagements were ongoing. “Many things are going on to get the people back home. We only need to increase the speed and get everyone on board,” he added.
Political leaders have also weighed in. The senator representing Kaduna Central, Lawal Adamu Usman, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, condemning the attack as unacceptable and assuring families that efforts were being made to secure the safe return of those abducted.
Usman said he was in constant contact with security agencies and stakeholders, and pledged that the National Assembly would use legislative and advocacy tools to strengthen security operations, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The senator later visited Kurmin Wali, where he met relatives of the abducted worshippers and appealed for cooperation with security agencies. He also paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Agom Kufana chiefdom, Titus Dauda, who called on federal and state authorities to increase security patrols and intelligence gathering in Kajuru and neighbouring areas to restore public confidence.
As families wait for news of their loved ones, community leaders warn that the prolonged captivity of the worshippers risks deepening fear and mistrust unless decisive action is taken to bring them home safely.
