Gunmen Seize 26, Set Shops on Fire in Zamfara

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‎The incident comes amid growing concern over the continued captivity of 156 members of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church, who were kidnapped during a church service on January 18 at Wali, in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

‎Residents of Kurmin Wali remain gripped by fear, as the worshippers are still being held one week after the abduction. In Zamfara, state and local government officials confirmed the attacks, further heightening security concerns across the North-West region.

During an interview, Chairman of Talata Mafara Council, Yahaya Abubakar, said the bandits struck in two separate incidents. According to him, the first attack occurred in Matuna village, where three people were abducted and one resident was killed.

‎He added that the attackers later moved to Tashar Kuturu village, where they kidnapped 23 people and shot one resident in the hand and leg. The injured victim was taken to a hospital in Jangebe for treatment.

‎Residents said the assault on Tashar Kuturu took place late at night, with gunmen firing sporadically to instil fear.

The gunmen reportedly operated unchallenged for about two hours. Abubakar said the gunmen arrived on motorcycles, heavily armed, and mounted a tripod-mounted gun in the middle of the road, firing repeatedly to intimidate residents into submission.

They abducted men, women and children; some were taken on foot, while others were carried away on motorcycles,” he said. Talata Mafara remains one of the worst-affected local government areas in Zamfara State.

‎156 church members still in captivity.
Addressing journalists in Lagos yesterday ahead of the church’s 2026 annual general conference scheduled for January 29, the Supreme Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, disclosed that 156 church members remain in captivity.

‎“We cannot speak about the future without confronting the present realities of our nation. Insecurity remains a painful and urgent issue, affecting lives, livelihoods and national unity,” he said.

‎He expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, the displacement of families and the pervasive atmosphere of fear nationwide, noting that the abducted worshippers were seized during a Sunday service on January 18 in Wali, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.

‎While commending President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity, Prophet Alogbo raised concerns over the recent surge in kidnappings and urged the Federal Government to critically address the situation. He called for improved safety on major roads and appealed for continued investment in modern equipment to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.

He also praised the Federal Government for the recent reduction in food prices and urged that the gains be sustained. On the removal of fuel subsidy, the church commended the government’s bold decision but called for renewed efforts to ease the resulting hardship on Nigerians.

‎Prophet Alogbo further advised the Federal Government to deepen collaboration with religious leaders, noting their closeness to grassroots communities and their ability to mobilise public cooperation.

Anxiety grows as worshippers remain captive

The abducted worshippers include children as young as five, women and elderly men. Of the 177 people initially kidnapped during the January 18 attack, 11 later escaped, returning with injuries and signs of trauma.

‎Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N), a faith-based human rights organisation, expressed concern over the continued captivity of the victims, describing their condition as “distressing and life-threatening.”

‎In a statement issued by its Research and Press Officer, Reuben Buhari, the group said the abductees were being forced to sleep outdoors in cold and harsh conditions, without adequate food or medical care.

CSW-N Chief Executive Officer, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, said the prolonged captivity was worsening psychological trauma for the victims’ families and the wider community. He added that delays in rescue efforts had further undermined public confidence, particularly after security agencies initially denied the abduction before later confirming it following pressure from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which published the names of those abducted.