Ogona Anita
The Christian Media Forum (CMF) has said that it received the news of the abduction of 167 Christian worshipers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State with great concerns, demanding the government and security agencies do all possible for their immediate rescue.
In a statement signed by its National President, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, and National Secretary, Andrew Ibrahim Mshelia, the CMF called on security agencies to redouble their efforts towards ensuring the safe release of the abducted worshipers.
The statement said that the armed bandits were said to have arrived at the community while church services were being conducted, reportedly carrying out coordinated attacks on several churches.
“They fired shots into the air, causing panic which led to the abduction of more than 100 worshippers.
“The Christian Media Forum further gathered that the development forced a lot of the worshippers to attempt to escape into nearby bushes.
“However, they fell into the hands of other members of the bandits who seized them without much struggle.
“A local source, whose relative was among the victims, told newsmen that the attackers moved from one church to another, abducting people in large numbers during the operation,” the statement said.
The Christian Media Forum said that it is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the abducted worshipers.
The forum urged the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to work closely with security agencies to bring an end to banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State.
The CMF also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to put in place strategic measures that would deter kidnappers and curb the menace of kidnapping and other social vices in the state.
“We condemn this heinous act of violence and demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
“The abduction of innocent worshipers is a grave violation of human rights and dignity.
“We stand in solidarity with the families of the abducted worshipers and pray for their safe release,” the statement said.
The CMF commended the efforts of security agencies working to combat banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State.
“However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of these crimes.
“We urge the government to provide adequate security for citizens and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities face the full weight of the law.
“The Christian Media Forum prays for the safe return of the abducted worshipers and for peace to return to Kaduna State,” it concluded.
