Bomba Dauda
The Southern Kaduna Lawyers’ Forum (SKLF) has condemned the resurgence of kidnapping and criminal activities in parts of Kaduna State, following the abduction of 177 worshippers from ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Forum described the incident, which occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, as troubling and unacceptable, warning that it signals a dangerous reversal of the security gains recorded in the state in recent years.
The lawyers’ body acknowledged what it called notable progress in the fight against insecurity under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), and Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani. However, it expressed deep concern over the recent spike in abductions, particularly in Southern Kaduna.
SKLF also faulted the initial denial of the Kurmin Wali abduction by the Commissioner of Police, the Kaduna State Government and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the response as hasty and lacking due diligence.
The Forum stressed that human life is sacred and must be protected at all times, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantee the rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion. It further referenced Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.
According to the statement, the Kurmin Wali community had reportedly paid millions of naira in ransom barely a week before the latest incident to secure the release of some abducted residents, a development SKLF said underscored the severity of insecurity in the area.
The Forum warned that the incident evoked painful memories of the past decade in Southern Kaduna, marked by mass killings, kidnappings, displacement of communities and alleged occupation of ancestral lands by criminal elements.
SKLF called on the government and security agencies to urgently ensure the safe release of the 177 abducted worshippers, secure the freedom of other kidnapping victims across the state, resettle displaced persons, and take proactive measures to protect lives and property.
The Forum pledged its support to the Federal, State and Local Governments in efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in Kaduna State.
