Arewa Professionals Condemn Kaduna Worshipper s’ Abduction

The Arewa Professionals in the United Kingdom have strongly condemned the invasion of three churches in Kurmin Wali Village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and the abduction of 177 Christian worshippers by armed gangs on January 18.

Speaking on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora across Great Britain and other parts of Europe, the association described the attack as cruel, inhuman, and a direct assault on peace and religious freedom.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, the President of the Association, Engineer Yunana Shibkau, said the group was deeply shocked by reports that the victims include entire family members, children, elderly persons, pregnant women, and individuals living with disabilities and other health challenges.

“We join millions of people across the globe in praying fervently for the well-being, safety, and early return of the abducted worshippers to their families. Our hearts go out to their relatives during this harrowing and traumatic period,” the statement said.

The association also commiserated with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, noting that his pain and grief over the incident are evident.

It expressed solidarity with the Kaduna State Government, security agencies, and the state’s residents, stressing that the attack was clearly intended to undermine the gains made in security, peace, and tranquillity under the current administration.

According to the group, intelligence reports available to it indicate that those who carried out the abduction were merely foot soldiers acting on behalf of more powerful and dangerous masterminds.

It stated that the abduction and subsequent ransom demands were diversionary tactics meant to conceal the long-term objectives of the real sponsors of the attack.

The Arewa Professionals UK further disclosed that the Kurmin Wali church invasion represents the first phase of a broader, long-term plan allegedly designed to unfold gradually ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“These masterminds are determined to sabotage Governor Uba Sani’s enviable record in restoring peace, security, and harmonious coexistence among Kaduna State’s diverse communities,” the statement noted.

Drawing parallels with the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, the group recalled how the incident was exploited during the 2015 elections against former President Goodluck Jonathan.

It warned that similar Chibok-style mass abductions are being revived as a destabilisation strategy aimed at frustrating the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

“In the same way Boko Haram insurgents were used during the Chibok abduction, bandits and other terrorist elements are now being deployed to create insecurity and anarchy in Northern Nigeria as part of a calculated attempt to undermine the Tinubu administration,” the association said.

The group assured Nigerians at home and abroad that such unpatriotic and self-serving actors would not succeed in their agenda.

It revealed that its intelligence networks have identified key individuals involved, compiled dossiers, and documented their modus operandi, adding that these details are being forwarded to relevant security agencies in the United States, Europe, Interpol, and other international bodies.

The association commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership, the implementation of critical economic and social reforms, and the progress made in combating terrorism nationwide.

It also praised Governor Uba Sani for his achievements in addressing kidnapping, banditry, and communal conflicts in Kaduna State.

The Arewa Professionals UK welcomed the growing security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in arms procurement, training, and intelligence sharing, and urged the Federal Government to deepen similar partnerships with European countries and other allies in the global fight against terrorism