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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja, Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has expressed concern over the abduction of over 150 worshippers in churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In a post on its X handle, the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs restated President Donald Trump’s warning that America would not stand and watch the continued persecution and killing of Christians in Nigeria by Islamic terrorists.
The committee said: “This past Sunday, Islamic terrorists in Nigeria raided churches and kidnapped more than 168 Christians.
“President Trump made it clear: We cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria. The United States will not tolerate the massacre of innocent Christians.”
Earlier, a member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, said news of the abduction of the Christian worshippers was horrific.
Moore, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd District, while lamenting the situation, stated that more must be done to protect them.
Moore, who was part of the United States Congressional delegation that visited Nigeria recently over the persecution of Christians in the country, called on the Nigerian government to ensure the swift and safe return of all those who were captured.
“Horrific news.
“Armed radical Muslim Fulani attacked three churches yesterday and kidnapped more than 100 Christian worshippers.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing an existential threat at the hands of the Fulani militants.
“More must be done to protect them, and I urge the Nigerian government to ensure the swift and safe return of all those who were captured,” Moore wrote on his X handle.
•SMBLF demands immediate action
The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has described the abduction as a heinous and barbaric act.
In a statement, SMBLF expressed solidarity with the Adara people and demanded immediate rescue of the abductees and knocked Kaduna State officials for denying the abduction, saying it undermined rescue efforts and emboldened the kidnappers.
The SMBLF statement signed by prominent leaders, including Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, Senator John Azuta-Mbata and Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the conduct of the Kaduna State officials is not merely a betrayal of public trust but a grave act of incompetence.
It called for the suspension and investigation of officials who denied or downplayed the abduction.
SMBLF said the incident is part of a growing pattern of attacks on Christian communities in the Middle Belt, citing examples from Niger and Kwara states.
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The group challenged the Federal Government to deploy military and intelligence resources to rescue the abductees and called for establishment of community-based vigilante formations in Southern Kaduna.
SMBLF also urged the governors of the Middle Belt states to form a Joint Regional Security Outfit to enhance intelligence sharing and respond to attacks. The group reiterated its call for state police and a restructured Nigeria with a new Constitution.
•Southern Kaduna Christian kick, declare fasting, prayer
The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA) has described the abduction as “heartrending, alarming and unacceptable,” noting that it marks the first time in the region’s history that members of three different Christian denominations were abducted in a single day during church services.
In a statement by its Chairman, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, SKCLA has declared a two-day fasting and prayer, starting today, to seek God’s intervention for the safe return of the abducted individuals. The fast will culminate in a special prayer session in churches across Southern Kaduna on Sunday.
“We will not be silent in the face of evil nor will we lose hope,” Apostle Dr Kure said. “We trust God for divine intervention, and we continue to demand accountability and concrete action from those entrusted with the security of lives and property.”
SKCLA called on the Kaduna State government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the Kajuru victims and end the cycle of kidnappings in the region.
The Association appealed to Christians in Southern Kaduna and beyond to participate in the fast, and to the wider Nigerian society to stand in solidarity with affected communities.
This incident adds to the growing list of unresolved abductions in Southern Kaduna, leaving families in agony over the fate of their loved ones.
•SOKAPU praises Sani, urges urgent rescue
Meanwhile, the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has commended Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for visiting Kurmin Wali community.
Addressing a press conference yesterday, SOKAPU’s National President, Samuel Tabara Kato, expressed gratitude for Governor Sani’s commitment to developing the community, including providing infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and security presence.
“We commend Governor Uba Sani’s efforts to develop Kurmin Wali community and urge the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the kidnapped victims,” Kato said.
SOKAPU also appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s developmental strides, particularly the appointment of Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa as Defence Minister.
The group supported calls for Gen. Musa to be considered as Tinubu’s presidential running mate in future elections, saying it would be a welcome move.
SOKAPU reiterated its support for President Tinubu and Governor Sani, pledging to continue backing their efforts to develop Kaduna State and Nigeria.
The statement urged the governments to crack down on armed bandits and kidnappers, ensuring the protection of lives and property in Kaduna State and Nigeria.
