Southern Kaduna church abductions spark calls for urgent government action and community vigilance as 166 worshippers remain in captivity

Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have called on the government, security agencies, and local communities to urgently protect worship centres and secure the release of 166 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area, on January 18.

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Apostle Emmanuel Kure, Chairman of Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders, spoke during the 2026 Southern Kaduna Prayer Summit at Kafanchan New Township Stadium on Saturday.

He said a total of 177 worshippers—including women, elderly men, and five-year-old children—were seized during church services, with 11 managing to escape with injuries and signs of trauma.

Apostle Kure expressed frustration at the lack of visible government action. “It has been almost two weeks, and nobody has been released. In other cases, early government intervention often leads to quick release of victims, but here, there has been no movement,” he said.

He warned that steep ransom demands were crippling rural communities.

“There is no farmer in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, or Sokoto who can raise N50m or N80m in the present economic climate. These ransom demands are destroying our rural communities,” Kure lamented.

The cleric urged communities to bolster protection for places of worship. “Our holy places must remain sacred. Christians and Muslims alike must rise to ensure that our places of worship are protected.

If government resources are stretched, communities must remain vigilant and coordinate with security agencies to prevent further attacks,” he said.

While highlighting that no deaths had been confirmed among the abducted worshippers, Kure described the trauma endured by families and young children, noting that journalists covering the incidents were visibly moved.

Dan Amos, a member of the House of Representatives for Jema’a/Sanga Federal Constituency, encouraged intensified prayers for peace, stability, and development, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.

He also commended government efforts to improve critical sectors such as electricity supply, noting its importance for industrial growth and investment in Kaduna State and Southern Kaduna.

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“Development is not today, tomorrow, or the next day. With commitment, consistency, and the guidance of God, we will surely get there,” Amos said.