The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has strongly condemned the abduction of more than 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Afogo Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, calling for the immediate rescue of the victims and decisive action against those responsible.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, leaders of the Forum described the incident as a grave security failure and urged the Federal Government to deploy all available military and intelligence resources to ensure the safe release of those abducted.
The statement was signed by Dr. Bitrus Pogu of the Middle Belt Forum, Oba Oladipo Olaitan of Afenifere, John Azuta-Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Godknows Igali of the Pan Niger Delta Forum.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved gunmen storming three churches in the community and abducting scores of worshippers during services.
News of the incident initially sparked confusion after police authorities and the Kaduna State Government denied that a mass abduction had taken place, despite reports by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Days later, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the abduction did occur, contradicting earlier official statements.
The SMBLF criticised the initial denial, describing it as an act of incompetence that undermined rescue efforts and allowed the kidnappers valuable time to move their captives to remote locations.
The Forum demanded sanctions against public officials who, it said, downplayed or denied the incident.
It argued that such actions endangered lives and obstructed justice, calling for the suspension and investigation of those involved.
Beyond the immediate incident, the SMBLF said the recurring violence in the Middle Belt underscores the urgent need for state police.
It urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that would allow states to establish their own police forces as a long-term solution to insecurity.
The group also called on Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to urgently establish and adequately fund community-based vigilante groups in Southern Kaduna communities.
According to the Forum, such local security structures would serve as a first line of defence against attacks.
In addition, the SMBLF appealed to governors of Middle Belt states to form a joint regional security outfit, similar to the model adopted in the South-West, to strengthen intelligence sharing and enable coordinated responses to security threats.
Meanwhile, Governor Sani has assured residents of ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.
During a visit to Kurmin Wali, he said the state government was working closely with the military, the Department of State Services, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure the safe and speedy return of those abducted.
