The Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria (C&S) has called on the Federal Government to step up efforts to tackle insecurity following the abduction of more than 160 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on January 18.
The Supreme Head of the church, Emmanuel Alagbo, made the appeal on Monday during a world press conference ahead of the church’s 2026 Annual General Conference at Seraphim Land, Ogun State.
Describing the abduction as a “painful national challenge,” Alogbo urged the government to equip the Armed Forces with modern tools to strengthen their operational capacity.
“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 atmosphere of fear across many communities,” he said. “Currently, 151 members of our church remain in captivity after being kidnapped during Sunday service in Wali, Kajuru LGA. While we commend President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its efforts in addressing insecurity, the recent surge in kidnappings requires urgent attention.”
Alogbo noted that the church was working with state chapters to relocate worship centers from vulnerable locations and leveraging its membership in the Christian Association of Nigeria to pressure the government for enhanced security.
The church’s upcoming Annual General Conference, themed “An Unhidden City Mat.5:14”, is scheduled for January 29 to February 1 at Saviour’s Ministries (C&S), Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State. The event will feature plenary teaching sessions, leadership and ministers’ forums, youth and women empowerment programs, prayer sessions, and strategic discussions on the church’s post-centenary vision.
Anxiety remains high in Kurmin Wali village, where worshippers from three churches were abducted. Of the 177 initially kidnapped, 11 escaped, leaving 166 still in captivity, including children as young as five, women, and elderly men.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N) described the conditions of the captives as “distressing and life-threatening,” highlighting that many were forced to sleep outdoors in cold conditions without sufficient food or medical care.
“These are vulnerable people—children, women, and elderly men—exposed to hunger, cold, and danger every day they remain in the hands of their abductors,” said CSW-N CEO Rev. Yunusa Nmadu. He added that delays in rescue operations have worsened the trauma of victims’ families and eroded public confidence, especially after security authorities initially denied the abduction before later confirming it.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, visited Kurmin Wali, meeting with community leaders and families of the abducted worshippers. CSW-N commended the state government for providing medical care to escapees, repairing the village access road, and deploying security personnel to restore calm.
“These measures are welcome, but the situation remains critical. The abducted worshippers must be rescued without delay to restore public trust and bring relief to affected families,” Nmadu said, calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to recover other abducted persons across the state.
Residents of Kurmin Wali continue to live in fear and uncertainty, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones as days in captivity stretch on.
