The Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) has initiated a solemn three-day prayer session dedicated to the safe release of 177 abducted church members in Kaduna State. This spiritual intervention follows the devastating bandit raid that targeted worshippers during Sunday service, plunging the Christian community into anguish and uncertainty.
Mass Abduction During Worship Service
Armed bandits stormed two branches of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church in Iburu District, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Sunday worship, kidnapping at least 177 congregants in a brazen attack that has shocked the nation. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, officially confirmed the abduction occurred while worshippers were attending their regular church service, highlighting the vulnerability of religious gatherings in affected regions.
OAIC Calls For Divine Intervention
In response to this tragic incident, OAIC Regional President Elder Israel Akinadewo announced the commencement of a three-day prayer vigil from Thursday through Saturday, with special altar prayers scheduled for Sunday. "Let us embark on three days of prayer from today to Saturday, with special Altar prayer on Sunday, for God to intervene in this matter," Akinadewo declared in an emotional statement.
The religious leader emphasized the power of collective prayer, quoting Jeremiah 33:3: "Our God hears prayer, and it is our duty to call upon Him. May the Lord bless us as we stand in the gap for our brethren." This spiritual mobilization represents the Christian community's response to the escalating security challenges facing worshippers across northern Nigeria.
Governor Uba Sani Visits Affected Community
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani visited the traumatized Kurmin Wali community on Wednesday, offering condolences and reassurances to residents reeling from the mass kidnapping. During his visit, Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of all abducted persons, stating that the protection of lives and property remains his government's foremost responsibility.
The governor emphasized that the Kaduna State Government places premium value on human life and detailed immediate support measures including covering medical bills for residents injured during the attack. His visit coincided with intensified collaboration between state security agencies and military forces working to rescue the kidnapped worshippers and restore security in the affected areas.
Long-Term Security And Development Measures
Governor Sani outlined comprehensive security and development initiatives designed to address the root causes of insecurity in vulnerable communities. These measures include:
- Establishing a military base in Kurmin Wali through collaboration with Defence Minister Christopher Musa
- Constructing an access road linking Kurmin Wali to the main highway to improve security response
- Building a primary healthcare centre in the community to address medical needs
The governor noted that while security along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway has improved, criminal elements have shifted operations to rural communities like Kurmin Wali, which lies close to Rijana town - a known epicenter of banditry activities in the state.
Bandits Make Financial Demands
In a disturbing development, armed bandits have reportedly demanded a N28.9 million deposit for 17 motorcycles they claim were lost during recent military operations as a precondition for releasing the kidnapped worshippers. According to Kurmin Wali village head Ishaku Dan'azumi, the terrorists insist the missing motorcycles must be returned before the abducted church members can regain their freedom.
This mass abduction appears directly linked to ongoing military offensives against bandit camps in parts of Kajuru Local Government Area, suggesting retaliatory motives behind the attack on innocent worshippers. The situation highlights the complex security dynamics and human cost of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria's northwest region.
The OAIC's prayer vigil represents both spiritual solidarity and a call for tangible action as families await news of their loved ones. With security forces engaged in rescue efforts and religious communities mobilizing spiritual support, the nation watches anxiously for resolution to this heartbreaking crisis that has once again exposed the vulnerability of Nigerian citizens to violent criminal elements.
