Obi Condemns Reported Abduction of Over 170 Worshippers in Kaduna Churches, Slams FG Over Persistent Insecurity

By Tgnews Reporter

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the reported abduction of approximately 172 worshippers from churches in Kaduna State’s Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the incident as a stark illustration of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

The abductions reportedly occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, during church services in the Kurmin Wali community, Afogo ward. Armed gunmen, described by sources as using sophisticated weapons, allegedly stormed at least two to three churches—including an ECWA and a Cherubim and Seraphim church—forcing worshippers into nearby bushes and forests.

Reverend Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern Nigeria, confirmed that 172 individuals were initially taken, with nine later escaping, leaving around 163 still missing. Community leaders and other sources have cited figures ranging from 160 to 177 abducted, while some reports indicate names of the victims have circulated on social media.

Initial denials by the Kaduna State Police Command and local government officials claimed no such mass abduction took place, with authorities stating that security teams found no evidence of the incident after visiting the area.

However, following widespread criticism and further scrutiny, the Nigeria Police Force reversed its position on Tuesday, confirming that an abduction did occur and that operations are underway to rescue the victims.

Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin acknowledged the event, though without specifying exact numbers, while a Kaduna State lawmaker put the figure at 168 missing.

In a statement issued on Monday, Peter Obi expressed outrage over the recurring nature of such attacks and questioned the pattern of official denials amid conflicting reports.

“I have just been informed that yet again, at the weekend, about 172 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna. This is another unfortunate consequence of a nation where insecurity has been allowed to grow unchecked and unchallenged,” Obi stated.

He criticized what he called government inaction and misplaced priorities, noting similar incidents in recent times across Benue, Zamfara, Kano, Niger, and Plateau states.

“Is this how we will continue? Whether confirmed or contested, the frequency of such reports alone shows a greater crisis of safety, leadership, and unity,” Obi said. “Nigeria is not at war, yet communities are being terrorized and lives lost as if it were.”

Obi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of focusing resources on propaganda, waste, and foreign lobbying rather than citizen protection.

“Nigeria deserves a government that treats human life as sacred. The time to confront this insecurity is now. A New Nigeria is possible,” he concluded, calling for urgent and decisive action to restore safety and unity.

The incident has drawn renewed attention to the ongoing banditry and kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, where armed groups continue to target rural communities, including places of worship.

Authorities have pledged ongoing rescue efforts, but families and church leaders await the safe return of the victims amid heightened fears.

This development underscores the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s security apparatus under the current administration, as public calls for accountability and effective countermeasures grow louder.