Insecurity: Northern Christian leaders raise the alarm

• Woman narrates how she delivered in captivity after husband’s murder

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

Christian leaders in Northern Nigeria have raised concern over the growing psychological, social, and humanitarian impact of insecurity on communities, warning that repeated killings and kidnappings are leaving victims traumatised and families devastated.

The concerns were raised during the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN), in partnership with Palace Alliance, “The Rod and the Staff Conference 2026,” held at ECWA Kaduna South DCC, Angwan Yelwa, Television, Kaduna, from May 7 to 8, 2026.

Speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association and Executive Director of CHAIN, Joseph John Hayab, said communities in Northern Nigeria, especially Kaduna State, continue to live under fear, displacement, and uncertainty caused by persistent violence.

“In our crisis-prone areas of Northern Nigeria, especially Kaduna State, we face daily the weight of suffering, displacement, and uncertainty,” he said.

Hayab urged pastors and church leaders to remain steadfast in supporting affected communities despite the harsh realities confronting them.

“The rod is not for punishment alone, but for defence against wolves. “The staff is not just for comfort, but for pulling the straying back to the fold,” he interpreted. Also speaking, Reverend Magaji Caleb described the experiences of kidnap victims as heart-breaking and traumatic, noting that many survivors return with deep emotional scars.

Our hellish ordeals in kidnappers’ den

“What our members have gone through is horrific and not something anyone would wish even for an enemy,” he said.

Caleb acknowledged on-going efforts by government and security agencies to tackle insecurity but maintained that the country was still facing serious challenges. “We are not yet out of the woods, but because of government’s commitment and sacrifice, there is some level of reprieve,” he stated.

The conference also heard testimonies from victims of kidnapping and violence, including the case of a woman, Mrs Love Markus who gave birth while in captivity after being abducted alongside 12 others in Gidan Waya, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Interpreting the incident on behalf of Love, Rev. Fr. Yakubu Jerry said the woman’s husband was killed before she was taken away by kidnappers while heavily pregnant.

He disclosed that the victims spent five months in captivity and regained freedom only after about N77 million, including motorcycles demanded by the abductors, was paid as ransom.

According to him, the woman continues to battle severe psychological trauma following the loss of her husband and the experience of giving birth in captivity.

“She has been with us and the church is doing a lot to help her overcome the trauma. You know, each time she look at the baby, she remembers the circumstances around her pregnancy and birth,” he said.