The Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, has confirmed the release and safe return of 151 of its members who were abducted by armed gunmen from the Iburu community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on January 18, 2026.
The church’s leadership said the development was confirmed through reports from its liaison officers in Kaduna after days of high-level engagements and negotiations aimed at securing the freedom of the worshippers.
In a statement issued by the Conference Secretary General, Anthony Olusesan Samaiye, and read by church spokesman Emmanuel Abiodun Adewale Alogbo (JP), the release was described as “a victory for faith, prayer and dialogue.”
According to local sources, about 177 people were initially abducted when armed men believed to be bandits attacked church services in the Kurmin Wali area.
The traditional ruler of Kurmin Wali disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded ₦250 million and 20 motorcycles as conditions for release — a sum far beyond the means of the rural community.
Security sources and community advocates have painted a confusing picture of the incident. Although state police initially denied that any abductions had taken place, subsequent reporting and community documentation confirmed that scores of worshippers were seized by armed groups in the remote forest region.
The C&S Church expressed deep appreciation to the Kaduna State Government, especially Governor Uba Sani, for his role in dialogue and the mobilisation of state resources that supported the release efforts. It also thanked the Governor’s Chief of Staff Sani Liman Kila and the Senior Special Assistant on Religious Affairs (Christian Matters), Ishaya Jangado, for facilitating engagement between church leaders and authorities.
Church leaders also acknowledged support from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), the international community, and Christians worldwide.
While celebrating the release of 151 members, the church noted it remained mindful of the psychological trauma experienced by the victims and their families. It said its welfare and medical teams have been deployed to provide psychosocial support and care.
In its statement, the church also called for sustained peace in Kaduna State and across Nigeria, urging authorities to continue efforts to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation.
