C&S Church urges FG to intensify security efforts after over 160 worshippers were abducted in Kajuru, Kaduna State, during church services
The Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to urgently intensify efforts to tackle insecurity following the abduction of more than 160 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Also read: Kaduna abductors demand motorcycles for worshippers’ release
The appeal was made on Monday by the Supreme Head of the church, Emmanuel Alogbo, during a world press conference ahead of the church’s 2026 Annual General Conference.
He described the incident as a painful national tragedy that demands decisive action.
Alogbo said 151 members of the church remain in captivity after being kidnapped during a Sunday service on January 18, 2026, at Wali in Kajuru LGA.
He urged the government to further equip the Armed Forces with modern tools to enhance their operational capacity and response time.
“As a church whose members are part of the citizens of Nigeria, we are deeply troubled by the loss of innocent lives, displacement of families, and the climate of fear across many communities,” he said, while acknowledging the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
He added that the recent surge in kidnappings underscores the urgency for stronger security interventions.
According to him, the church has begun relocating worship centres from remote and vulnerable locations to safer areas, while also engaging through the Christian Association of Nigeria to push for improved protection.
The forthcoming Annual General Conference, themed “An Unhidden City Mat.5:14,” is scheduled to hold from January 29 to February 1 at Saviour’s Ministries, Alausa, Ikeja.
The gathering is expected to provide spiritual direction and practical guidance at a critical moment for the nation.
Programmes lined up for the conference include plenary teaching sessions, leadership and ministers’ forums, youth and women empowerment initiatives, prayer and intercession, as well as strategic dialogue on the church’s future beyond its centenary.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in Kurmin Wali village, where worshippers from three churches were abducted.
Out of the 177 initially taken, 11 later escaped, leaving 166 still in captivity more than a week after the attack. Victims include children, women, and elderly men.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria described the condition of the captives as distressing and life-threatening, noting that they were being held outdoors in harsh conditions without adequate food or medical care.
The organisation also criticised delays and initial denial of the incident by security authorities, warning that such lapses deepen public anxiety.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has since visited the affected community, meeting with families of the abducted worshippers.
While CSW-N acknowledged the state government’s support for escapees and security deployment, it stressed that only the safe rescue of those still held would restore public confidence.
Also read: Kaduna residents claim 177 worshippers abducted
Residents of Kurmin Wali continue to live in fear and uncertainty, clinging to hope as the captivity of their loved ones drags on.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
