…Say, “The United States will not stand by while such atrocities occur.”
KADUNA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has condemned the abduction of over 160 churchgoers in Kaduna, warning that Washington will not tolerate attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
The kidnappings occurred on Sunday when bandits stormed congregations during church services in the Kure area of Kajuru Local Government Area, seizing more than 160 worshippers.
While Kaduna State authorities and the Nigeria Police initially denied the incident, officials later confirmed on Wednesday that the abduction took place. Sources said the kidnappers are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at around ₦28.9 million, allegedly confiscated during recent military operations, as a condition for the release of the victims.
Reacting to the attack, the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs said on its verified X account, “This past Sunday, Islamic terrorists in Nigeria raided churches and kidnapped more than 168 Christians. The United States will not stand by while such atrocities occur.”
U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker also condemned the incident, urging the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for Christian communities and safeguard the right to worship freely. Hooker made the remarks during a high-level United States–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
She stressed that Nigerian authorities must take stronger measures to ensure the safety of Christians and uphold their constitutional right to practice their faith without fear.
