…156 of our members nonetheless in captive after Kaduna abduction — C&S Supreme Head
…Nervousness as kidnapped church worshippers stay in captivity
By Olayinka Ajayi & Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo
No fewer than 26 individuals have been, weekend, kidnapped by bandits throughout coordinated assaults on two communities in Talata Mafara Native Authorities Space of Zamfara State.
This got here because the Supreme Head, Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, disclosed that 156 members of C&S have been nonetheless within the den of their abductors, following their abduction on January 18, at Wali, in Kajuru Native Authorities Space of Kaduna State.
Additionally, nervousness continues to grip residents of Kurmin Wali, because the kidnapped worshippers are nonetheless being held captive one week after the incident.
In Zamfara, state and native authorities authorities confirmed the assaults, additional deepening safety considerations within the North-West area.
Chatting with BBC Hausa Service, monitored by our correspondent yesterday, Chairman of Talata Mafara Council, Yahaya Abubakar, stated the gunmen carried out two separate assaults.
In keeping with him, the primary assault happened in Matuna village, the place the assailants kidnapped three individuals and killed one resident.
“They later returned and attacked Tashar Kuturu village, the place they kidnapped 23 individuals and shot one resident within the hand and leg. The sufferer has been taken to a hospital in Jangebe for remedy,” he stated.
Residents stated the assault on Tashar Kuturu occurred late at night time, with the gunmen firing sporadically to instil worry. The attackers reportedly operated for about two hours with out resistance.
Abubakar stated the bandits arrived on bikes, closely armed, and mounted a tripod-mounted gun in the midst of the highway, which they fired repeatedly to intimidate residents and pressure compliance.
“They kidnapped males, girls and kids, some have been taken on foot, others on bikes,” he added.
Talata Mafara is among the worst-hit councils in Zamfara State.
156 of our members nonetheless in captivity— C&S Supreme Head
Briefing newsmen, yesterday, in Lagos, forward of its 2026 annual normal convention billed for January 29, Prophet Alogbo stated: “We can’t communicate concerning the future with out addressing the current realities of our nation. Insecurity stays a painful and urgent concern, affecting lives, livelihoods and nationwide cohesion.
“As a church representing members who’re residents of Nigeria, we’re deeply troubled by the lack of harmless lives, the displacement of households, and the pervasive environment of worry in lots of communities throughout the nation.
“As we communicate, 156 members of our church, from the Cherubim and Seraphim Motion Church are nonetheless within the den of their abductors, having been kidnapped throughout Sunday service on January 18, at Wali, within the Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.
“Whereas we commend President Tinubu’s efforts at addressing the safety challenges, the church, nonetheless, expressed worries over the current improve in kidnappings, and the federal government ought to look critically into it.
“It’s a truth at this time that Nigerians transfer around the nation with worry and panic, as many roads are not protected once more. I urge the Federal Authorities to proceed to fortify our Armed Forces with the procurement of recent gear to reinforce their operational capabilities.
“We commend the Federal Authorities over the discount in costs of important meals commodities out there in the intervening time and referred to as on the federal government to make sure sustenance of the value discount of those commodities.
“Whereas we commend the Federal Authorities for the daring steps taken upon assumption of management of the nation to jettison the gas subsidy regime, the church, nonetheless, urges the federal government to resume its effort at instituting remedial measures to cushion the hardship of that motion on Nigerians.
“We additionally recommend to the Federal Authorities to accomplice extra with spiritual leaders when making an attempt to succeed in the generality of Nigerians on the grassroots on points referring to the lots. The Federal Authorities ought to search extra collaboration with spiritual leaders to solicit cooperation of Nigerians on the grassroots degree due to, amongst different issues, their closeness to the individuals.”
In the meantime, he urged the Bola Tinubu-led authorities to fortify the armed forces with the procurement of recent gear to reinforce their operational capabilities.
Nervousness as kidnapped church worshippers stay in captivity
The kidnapped worshippers, who embody kids as younger as 5 years previous, girls and aged males, have been seized by bandits throughout church companies on January 18.
A complete of 177 worshippers have been kidnapped throughout the assault, however 11 later escaped from their captors and returned to the group with accidents and indicators of trauma.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria, a faith-based human rights organisation, yesterday, expressed concern over the continued captivity of the victims, describing their situation as “distressing and life-threatening.”
In an announcement by its Analysis and Press Officer, Reuben Buhari, the organisation stated the abductees have been being pressured to sleep within the open, uncovered to chilly climate and harsh environmental circumstances, with out sufficient meals or medical care.
Chief Govt Officer of CSW-N, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, stated the extended captivity of the worshippers was worsening the psychological trauma of their households and the broader group.
“These are susceptible individuals, kids, girls and aged males, who’re uncovered to starvation, chilly and hazard day-after-day they continue to be within the palms of their abductors,” Nmadu stated.
He added that the delay in rescuing the victims had additional eroded public confidence, significantly following the preliminary denial of the incident by safety authorities.
Safety officers had on January 19, initially denied experiences of the kidnapping earlier than the Drive Public Relations Officer later confirmed that the assault had certainly taken place, after Christain Affiliation of Nigeria, CAN, insisted on the kidnapping by publishing names of individuals kidnapped.
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