The Arewa Consultative Forum has raised fresh concerns over the continued detention of 166 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, calling on security authorities to act swiftly to secure their release.
The victims were taken about a week ago after armed men attacked three churches in the community during worship services, abducting several residents in the process.
Speaking in Kaduna on Tuesday, the National Publicity Secretary of the ACF, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the forum was deeply troubled that a significant number of the abducted worshippers were still being held by their captors.
According to him, the incident reflects the deteriorating security situation across the country and poses serious implications for national stability.
“Like many well-meaning Nigerians, we are profoundly saddened by this development. It once again highlights the urgent need to confront the growing menace of insecurity, which has far-reaching consequences for national security,” Muhammad-Baba said.
He noted that the prolonged captivity of the victims underscored the failure of existing responses to criminal activities and the need for a more effective and coordinated strategy.
“The immediate priority must be the rescue of these innocent worshippers, who are most likely enduring extreme hardship in the hands of their abductors,” he stated.
Muhammad-Baba described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that each additional day in captivity worsens the humanitarian concerns surrounding the victims.
He also warned against complacency, urging the Federal Government and relevant authorities not to underestimate the severity of the security crisis confronting the country.
“No one, especially the Federal Government, should be under any illusion that the nation is not currently in the grip of dangerous criminal elements,” he said.
The ACF spokesman further insisted that security agencies must deal decisively with terrorists and other criminal groups operating across the country, without resorting to compromise or appeasement.
“These terror merchants and their collaborators must be confronted with firm and decisive action until they are completely subdued,” he added.
While expressing confidence in the capacity of the security forces, the Forum emphasized the need for adequate support, proper oversight, and accountability to ensure tangible results.
The ACF also called for the empowerment of local communities, noting that grassroots collaboration with security agencies is critical to addressing insecurity.
According to the forum, the persistent wave of abductions and violence is disrupting everyday life in many parts of the country and should be treated as a national emergency.
“This situation constitutes an emergency, and it must be addressed with urgency, seriousness, and without compromise,” Muhammad-Baba said.
