The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government over what it described as their disappointing and unfortunate failure to rescue 177 worshippers abducted by terrorists more than three weeks after the incident.
The rights group expressed concern that despite the gravity of the mass abduction and the vulnerability of the victims, decisive and transparent rescue operations have not yielded the freedom of all those taken during the attack on churches in Southern Kaduna.
The worshippers were abducted on January 18, 2026, when armed terrorists stormed churches in Kurmin Wali village, located in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, during Sunday worship services. The attackers reportedly forced congregants, including women, children and elderly persons, into the surrounding forests.
Following the incident, initial reports about the number of abducted worshippers were conflicting, with security authorities initially downplaying the incident. Community leaders, however, later confirmed that a total of 177 worshippers were missing after the attack.
Subsequent developments revealed that about 80 of the abducted worshippers managed to escape from captivity after spending days trekking through forests and hiding in nearby communities. Their return brought temporary relief to families, but also highlighted the prolonged suffering endured by those still in captivity.
According to local sources, at least 86 worshippers are still believed to be held by the abductors, with their whereabouts and condition remaining largely unknown more than three weeks after the attack.
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In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA faulted both the Federal and Kaduna State governments for what it described as a lack of urgency and coordination in securing the release of the remaining captives. The group said the situation raises serious questions about the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.
HURIWA also criticised the initial denial of the abduction by security authorities, arguing that such responses undermine public trust and delay effective action. The association called for accountability within the security architecture, insisting that misinformation during crises worsens the plight of victims and their families.
The organisation further warned that prolonged negotiations or perceived concessions to terrorists could embolden criminal groups, leading to more attacks on rural communities and places of worship across the country.
Beyond Kaduna State, HURIWA linked the incident to the wider insecurity affecting parts of northern Nigeria, citing similar attacks on communities, security facilities and religious centres in neighbouring states as evidence of a deteriorating security situation.
The group urged the Federal Government to deploy a coordinated security response involving the military, police and intelligence agencies to ensure the immediate rescue of the remaining abducted worshippers and prevent future attacks.
HURIWA stressed that the continued captivity of worshippers reflects a broader national security challenge and called on authorities to prioritise the protection of civilians, particularly in vulnerable rural areas, to restore confidence and prevent further loss of lives and liberties.
