The Christian Media Forum (CMF) has condemned the abduction of 167 Christian worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the incident as “shocking and unacceptable.” In a statement signed by its National President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and National Secretary, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, the forum called on the government and security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the kidnapped victims.
According to CMF, the armed attackers reportedly arrived at the community during church services, targeting several churches in a coordinated assault. The gunmen fired shots into the air, causing panic among worshippers. Many people fled into nearby bushes to escape the attack, but some fell into the hands of other members of the gang, leading to the abduction of over 100 individuals.
“The attackers moved from one church to another, abducting people in large numbers during the operation,” a local source, whose relative was among the victims, told newsmen. The source described the situation as terrifying, noting that many worshippers were caught off guard while engaged in prayers.
CMF expressed deep concern about the safety and well-being of the abducted worshippers. The forum urged the state government and security agencies to redouble their efforts to ensure the safe release of all victims. It also called on well-meaning Nigerians to assist in supporting the authorities in ending banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State.
“The Christian Media Forum is deeply concerned about this incident and demands that all efforts be made to secure the immediate release of the abducted worshippers,” the statement said. CMF further appealed to the state government to put in place strategic measures to prevent future attacks and deter kidnappers, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions to the rising menace of kidnapping and other social vices in the state.
The abduction in Kurmin Wali comes amid a growing wave of banditry and kidnapping incidents in Kaduna and other northern states. Over the past few years, armed groups have increasingly targeted vulnerable communities, including schools, places of worship, and marketplaces, leaving residents in constant fear.
Human rights organizations and security experts have consistently warned that the proliferation of armed groups in the region has been fueled by weak security presence, limited intelligence, and the availability of weapons. Analysts say that coordinated attacks on churches and communities, like the one in Kurmin Wali, are often intended to instill fear and destabilize local populations.
Local residents of Kurmin Wali described the attackers as heavily armed and organized, with knowledge of the area and its residents. The source revealed that the gunmen operated swiftly, moving from one church to another, which left the community in shock. Many worshippers who were not abducted remained traumatized by the experience and are calling for stronger security measures.
CMF’s statement highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of the abduction on the community. “We are appealing to the authorities to ensure the immediate rescue of the victims. Their families are deeply distressed, and the community is living in fear,” the statement said.
The Kaduna State government has previously launched initiatives aimed at tackling banditry and kidnapping, including the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable areas and the creation of community policing strategies. However, incidents like the one in Kurmin Wali underscore the challenges facing security agencies in fully protecting residents.
Community leaders in Kajuru Local Government Area have also condemned the attack. They called on the federal and state governments to provide better security support, particularly for religious institutions that have increasingly become targets of criminal groups. The leaders stressed the need for intelligence-driven operations to prevent future attacks.
Nationally, the issue of kidnapping has become a growing concern in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Security Tracker, kidnappings for ransom have increased significantly in recent years, affecting both urban and rural communities. Experts note that while government interventions have had some success, persistent gaps in security infrastructure and coordination between agencies have allowed criminals to operate with relative ease.
In response to the Kurmin Wali abduction, security analysts are calling for stronger collaboration between local communities, religious institutions, and law enforcement agencies. They suggest establishing rapid response units and increasing surveillance around places of worship, schools, and other public spaces.
The Christian Media Forum has urged Nigerian citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities. CMF emphasized that collective community efforts are critical to curbing the activities of armed groups and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
“This incident is a reminder that security remains a major challenge in Kaduna State,” said a security analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity. “While the government has made efforts, there is still a need for strategic planning, intelligence sharing, and community engagement to prevent these attacks from recurring.”
Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for government intervention. Many have expressed fears that prolonged captivity could put the lives of their loved ones at serious risk. Humanitarian and faith-based organizations are also being called upon to provide counseling and support for the affected families during this difficult period.
The Christian Media Forum’s call for urgent action reflects the broader concern among Nigerians over rising insecurity, particularly in the northern regions. While incidents of banditry and kidnapping are not new, the scale and audacity of attacks on religious gatherings have raised alarm across the country.
In addition to demanding the immediate rescue of the victims, CMF has urged the state government to implement long-term strategies that address the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and the proliferation of small arms. The forum emphasized that tackling these issues is essential to preventing future attacks on communities and religious institutions.
As of now, the Kaduna State Police Command has not released details on ongoing operations to rescue the kidnapped worshippers. Families and community leaders remain anxious, hoping for swift action to secure the release of their loved ones.
The abduction has once again highlighted the vulnerability of religious gatherings in the state and the urgent need for proactive measures. Experts recommend that places of worship adopt basic security protocols, including alert systems, trained volunteers, and collaboration with security agencies, to prevent similar attacks in the future.