The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has strongly condemned the abduction of over 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Afogo Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and has called for the immediate rescue of the victims.
The Forum made its position known in a joint statement signed by the President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu; Leader of SMBLF and Afenifere, HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata; and National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Godknows Igali.
“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately deploy all necessary military and intelligence resources to secure the safe rescue of the abducted, law-abiding citizens of Kurmin Wali,” the statement read.
The mass abduction, which occurred on Sunday, has generated widespread outrage across the country. Gunmen reportedly stormed three churches in the community, carting away scores of worshippers during church services.
While the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State initially raised the alarm over the incident, both the Kaduna State Government and police authorities initially denied that any such attack had occurred.
However, days later, the Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the abduction did, in fact, take place.
Reacting to the development, the SMBLF demanded sanctions against officials responsible for what it described as a “grave act of incompetence,” accusing them of undermining rescue efforts, emboldening the criminals, and allowing the abductors valuable time to relocate their captives to remote terror enclaves.
“All public officials who denied or downplayed this heinous crime must be suspended and thoroughly investigated for obstructing justice and endangering lives,” the Forum said.
According to the SMBLF, the recurring violence and abductions in the Middle Belt region further underscore the urgent need for the establishment of state police, describing the reform as “long overdue.”
“The National Assembly must, as a matter of urgency, commence legislative action to facilitate the creation of state police,” the Forum stated.
The group also urged Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, to urgently establish and adequately fund community-based vigilante groups across all Southern Kaduna communities, noting that such outfits would serve as a first line of defence against terrorist incursions.
In addition, the Forum called on governors of Middle Belt states to immediately form a Joint Regional Security Outfit—similar to the South-West’s Amotekun model—to enhance intelligence sharing across state lines and ensure swift, coordinated responses to attacks.
Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has assured residents of the safe and speedy return of the abducted worshippers. Speaking during a visit to Kurmin Wali, where he led a delegation of senior government officials and heads of security agencies, the governor said concerted efforts were underway to secure the victims’ release.
“In the last two days, we have been working closely with relevant security agencies—the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser—to ensure the quick rescue and safe return of our people who were abducted from this important community,” the governor said.
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