The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State has held a special prayer session for the safe return of 177 worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community.The prayer meeting took place on Sunday at Tawaliu Baptist Church, Maraban Kajuru, drawing Christian leaders from across Kaduna State and parts of northern Nigeria. Families of the abducted worshippers were also in attendance.
The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, were abducted during Sunday services after armed men reportedly invaded Kurmin Wali and led congregants into nearby forests. CAN officials said some worshippers later escaped, while many remain in captivity.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of CAN for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, urged churches to improve surveillance and basic security measures around worship centres. He said prayer should be complemented with vigilance and situational awareness to reduce security risks. Hayab described insecurity in Kajuru as persistent and called for collective efforts to protect worshippers and communities.
The CAN Chairman in Kajuru LGA, Rev. Enoch Kaura, said the prayer session was aimed at seeking divine intervention and urging authorities to strengthen security operations in the area. He called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those abducted and prevent further incidents. The event was attended by the Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. Caleb Bawa Ma’aji, bishops, and clergy from various denominations.
