The United States has called on the Nigerian government to step up efforts to protect Christian communities following the abduction of 177 worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna State, on January 18. The incident, which was initially denied by state authorities and the police before later confirmation, has renewed concerns about religion-motivated violence and the safety of places of worship in parts of the country.
Sources said the kidnappers are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly seized during recent military operations as a condition for releasing the victims. The development was discussed during a high-level US-Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja, where US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said Nigeria must do more to guarantee the safety of Christians and their right to freely practice their faith.
Hooker acknowledged recent progress in rescue operations but warned that repeated attacks on religious communities undermine public confidence and security gains. She stressed the need for joint efforts to deter violence, investigate attacks thoroughly, and ensure perpetrators are held accountable, particularly in North-Central states where such incidents have become frequent.
Responding, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the Federal Government has intensified military and law enforcement operations in affected areas. He emphasised that Nigeria remains a plural society and that attacks framed along religious lines are treated as attacks on the Nigerian state, with President Bola Tinubu authorising expanded security deployments and improved intelligence coordination.
The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) strongly condemned the abduction, accusing some officials of initially misleading the public about the incident. The group demanded sanctions against those responsible for the denial and criticised policies it believes amount to appeasement of bandits, arguing that victims and vulnerable communities are left without adequate protection.
A resident of Kurmin Wali village, who identified himself as Godwin, described the deep fear in the community, revealing that this was the 23rd attack on the area. He said worshippers from ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim churches were surrounded and marched into the bush without gunshots, while elderly members who could not keep pace were asked to return home.
Several groups, including SOKAPU, the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, and the Northern States Christian Elders Forum, have called for urgent government action and declared prayer and fasting programmes for the safe return of the victims. Political leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Senator Shehu Sani, also urged security agencies to prioritise the rescue mission.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), however, accused authorities of prioritising image management over citizens’ safety, saying the initial denial of the incident undermined rescue efforts and public trust. The party called for an independent investigation into how the situation was handled.
Governor Uba Sani has assured residents that he is personally monitoring security operations and vowed not to rest until all abducted persons are safely rescued.
