Taiwo POPOOLA
The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership, AYAGL, has condemned the abduction of more than 160 people from churches and surrounding communities in Kajuru local government council of Kaduna State, describing the incident as barbaric and a grave threat to peace and security in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, the group said it was “shocked, pained, and outraged” by the attack, which reportedly occurred during a period of worship.
According to AYAGL, the victims include women, children, and elderly persons who were gathered for religious and community activities.
The assembly said the kidnapping was part of a growing pattern of mass abductions, banditry, and violent attacks in Kaduna State and other parts of the North, warning that continued insecurity has left residents living in fear.
“How long will our people continue to live under the shadow of kidnappings and violence?” the group asked.
Calling for decisive and sustained action to address the situation, AYAGL appealed to the governor of Kaduna State, other Northern governors, the federal government, and security agencies to move beyond assurances and adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to secure affected communities, rescue those abducted, and prosecute those responsible.
Signed by its President, Ambassador Abdul Danbature, the group specifically called for immediate and transparent rescue operations, increased security presence and surveillance in vulnerable rural areas, stronger inter-state collaboration on security among Northern governors, and greater accountability and communication with the public on steps being taken.
“The continued loss of innocent lives and freedom is unacceptable,” the statement said, adding that Northern Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful progress amid persistent insecurity.
The assembly also expressed solidarity with the families and communities affected by the abductions and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for peace, justice, and good leadership in the region.
