Kaduna: Abducted C&S Worshippers Regain Freedom

The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has officially confirmed the release of 151 of its members. These worshippers regained their freedom following a harrowing two-week ordeal in the custody of armed bandits in Kaduna State. The victims were part of a larger group abducted during a Sunday service on January 18 in the Iburu community of Kajuru Local Government Area. A statement from the church’s Conference Secretary General, Anthony Olusesan Samaiye, verified their safe return on Monday. This development brings a much-needed sigh of relief to a nation currently grappling with a surge in mass kidnappings. Furthermore, it marks a significant success for religious leadership engagement with state authorities.

The leadership of the church described this breakthrough as a monumental victory for faith, prayer, and persistent dialogue. Furthermore, the Supreme Head of the church, Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo, personally led an emergency delegation to Kaduna to facilitate the release. Active voice reports indicate that the church leadership engaged in several high-level meetings with security agencies and the state government. Consequently, these strategic interactions paved the way for the safe return of the congregants without the reported bloodshed often associated with such crises. Conversely, the church remains silent on the specific terms of the release, emphasizing instead the divine intervention that secured their lives.

In a related development, the church expressed profound gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for his administration’s unwavering commitment to the rescue operation. The Governor’s Chief of Staff and the Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs reportedly played pivotal roles in coordinating the state’s resources. Furthermore, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) provided critical logistical and spiritual support throughout the crisis. While celebrating this return, the church remains mindful of the severe psychological trauma inflicted upon the survivors. Consequently, medical and welfare teams have been mobilized to provide immediate psychosocial care and physical rehabilitation for the returnees.

The Kurmin Wali and Iburu axes of Kajuru have recently become flashpoints for daring daylight abductions targeting religious gatherings. Initial denials by security agencies regarding the scale of the January 18 attack had earlier sparked significant public outcry. Furthermore, residents of these vulnerable communities continue to live in constant fear of recurring bandit raids. The release of the 151 members highlights the urgent need for a more permanent and robust security presence in rural Kaduna. Conversely, the Kaduna State Police Command has promised to release a comprehensive report to address the conflicting accounts of the abduction. This successful release must now serve as a blueprint for the rescue of other citizens still held in various forest camps.

Looking ahead, the Federal Government faces mounting pressure to modernize the Armed Forces’ equipment to tackle this kidnapping scourge effectively. The Cherubim and Seraphim Church has urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to intensify its counter-insurgency efforts nationwide. Furthermore, religious leaders are calling for sustained peace and the protection of all citizens regardless of their faith or location. The safe return of these 151 worshippers offers a rare glimmer of hope in a challenging security landscape. Consequently, the focus must now shift toward preventing such tragedies from occurring during sacred hours of worship. Nigeria’s journey toward total