The United States has called on Nigeria to take stronger action to protect Christian communities following the abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kaduna State, an incident that has heightened concerns over insecurity and religious violence.
The worshippers were kidnapped during church services in Kajuru Local Government Area on 18 January. Initial reports of the abduction were denied by the Kaduna State government and the police, but authorities later confirmed that the attack had taken place.
According to security sources, the kidnappers are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, reportedly seized during recent military operations, in exchange for the victims’ release.
Speaking at a high-level US–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja, the US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said the incident showed the urgent need for Nigeria to do more to guarantee the safety of Christians and their right to practise their faith without fear.
“Recent attacks underscore the importance of deterring violence against Christian communities, prioritising counterterrorism efforts, investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.
Ms Hooker acknowledged what she described as recent progress, citing the release of dozens of Christians abducted in Kwara State and from a Catholic school earlier this year. However, she said the Kaduna incident demonstrated that more decisive action was required.
“We are concerned about reports that more than 170 Christians were kidnapped in Kaduna State,” she added. “The Government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and ensure they can practise their faith freely and safely.”
Responding on behalf of the Nigerian government, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said authorities were intensifying military and law-enforcement operations in affected areas. He insisted that violence framed along religious lines was unacceptable.
“Nigeria is a plural society, and the protection of all citizens, Christians, Muslims and those of other beliefs is non-negotiable,” Mr Ribadu said, adding that attacks on religious communities amounted to attacks on the state itself.
He said President Bola Tinubu had approved expanded security deployments, improved intelligence coordination and stronger investigations into attacks on places of worship.
Meanwhile, Christian leaders in Southern Kaduna have announced two days of fasting and prayer in response to the kidnappings. The Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association described the incident as unprecedented, noting that members of three different Christian denominations were abducted on the same day during church services.
“This is a united cry for mercy, protection and the safe return of our brothers and sisters,” the group said.
