Kaduna: CAN, ACF worry as 166 worshippers remain with bandits

Kaduna

Ten days after gunmen abducted worshippers from Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, no fewer than 166 victims remain in captivity, raising anxiety among families, religious bodies and community leaders.

The worshippers were kidnapped when bandits stormed three churches during worship sessions, firing sporadically, injuring several persons and whisking scores of residents into the forest.

Reacting to the development, the Arewa Consultative Forum expressed grave concern over the continued captivity of the worshippers and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their immediate release.

Speaking with The PUNCH in Kaduna on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the abduction as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and its implications for national stability.

“Like every patriotic Nigerian, ACF is gravely saddened by this incident. It is a clear reminder that much more needs to be done to tackle the scourge of insecurity, given its serious national security implications,” Muhammad-Baba said.

He stressed that the rescue of the abducted worshippers must be treated as an urgent priority, noting that the victims were likely enduring severe hardship in captivity.

“The most pressing need is the rescue of the helpless victims, who must now be suffering unspeakable hardships in the hands of illiterate and bloodthirsty criminals, bereft of basic human values such as mercy and compassion,” he said.

According to him, every additional day the victims remain in captivity is unacceptable and raises grave humanitarian concerns.

Muhammad-Baba warned that the Federal Government and other authorities must not underestimate the scale of the insecurity challenge confronting the nation.

“No one, least of all the Federal Government, should harbour any doubts or false confidence that the nation is not being held in the vice grip of criminal elements,” he said.

He added that there should be no compromise in dealing with terrorists and criminal groups.

“The terror merchants and their collaborators must be dealt decisive and devastating blows until they are unequivocally subdued,” Muhammad-Baba added.

While expressing confidence in the capacity of the security forces, he said they must be adequately supported, empowered and held accountable, while local communities should also be strengthened to collaborate with security agencies.

“This is an emergency, and it must be treated as such. We must urgently rise to this challenge without hesitation or compromise,” he said. Punch