By Our Reporter
The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has condemned the abduction of more than 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 the demand in a statement jointly signed by the President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu; Leader of Afenifere and SMBLF, 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.
The group urged the Federal Government to deploy all necessary military and intelligence resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
The abduction, which occurred on Sunday, followed coordinated attacks on three churches in the community, during which gunmen took away scores of worshippers. The incident sparked widespread controversy after initial reports by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were denied by the police and the Kaduna State Government, before the police later confirmed that the abduction did occur.
The SMBLF criticised what it described as the initial denial and downplaying of the incident, calling for sanctions against officials it accused of obstructing rescue efforts and endangering lives.
The forum also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, describing it as long overdue, and urged the National Assembly to urgently initiate legislation to that effect.
In addition, the group called on Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to establish and adequately fund community-based vigilante groups in Southern Kaduna as a first line of defence against attacks. It further urged governors of Middle Belt states to form a joint regional security outfit to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to security threats.
Meanwhile, Governor Sani has assured residents of Kurmin Wali of the government’s commitment to securing the safe and speedy return of the abducted worshippers. He said the state government was working closely with the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser to ensure their rescue.