Abductions a ‘Crime Against Humanity:’ Leader of Christian Association of Nigeria
By Mike Odeh James
(Kaduna) Christian leaders in Kaduna State have condemned the rising cases of kidnapping for ransom by armed groups, urging authorities to take swift action to curb the violence in affected communities. The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna, Rev. Caleb Maaji, described the abductions as “inhumane and a crime against humanity.” Speaking to TruthNigeria following the release of eight hostages from armed militants in Maro, he called for urgent intervention.
“We, as Christians, are praying for divine intervention to put an end to these terrorist activities as soon as possible,” Maaji said.
Governor Sani’s Efforts Noted, But Concerns Remain
Maaji acknowledged steps taken by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to address insecurity, noting improvements in several areas. “Since the governor assumed office, he has implemented measures that have significantly reduced insecurity in many parts of Kaduna. Today, Birnin Gwari is relatively secure, with markets and churches that were long closed now reopened. People can move more freely,” he said. He also noted a decline in attacks in parts of Southern Kaduna but expressed concern over worsening insecurity in Kajuru and Kauru local government areas.
Kajuru, Kauru “Epicenter” of Kidnappings
“Kauru and Kajuru have become the epicenter of terrorist activities. Banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality are on the rise,” Maaji said.
The CAN leader urged the state government and security agencies to act swiftly to protect residents in these areas. “I appeal to Governor Sani and security forces to take urgent steps to free Kajuru and Kauru from the grip of these terrorists,” he added. The CAN leader also noted that the terrorists do kidnap and kill Muslims and Christians alike.
“Their activities are not restricted to one faith alone. They attack Muslims , Christians and other faiths as well . “That is why, we need to be united to fight the scourge Kidnappings for ransom by armed groups, often referred to as bandits, have been a persistent security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the North. Despite military operations and government interventions, attacks continue in several regions, displacing communities and disrupting livelihoods.
Media Blackout, Christian Leaders Silence Fuels Injustice
Azzaman. Rev. David Ayuba Azzaman, a prominent Christian cleric based in Kaduna, has accused both international and local media of ignoring what he describes as an “ongoing genocide” against Christians in Nigeria. The U.S. advocacy group International Committee on Nigeria has responded to reporting of a camp for 30 kidnap-for-ransom hostages approximately 30 miles south of Kaduna City as a sign of government complicity.
“There is increasing evidence that elements within the Nigerian government are complicit in these ongoing atrocities,” wrote ICON Executive Director Kyle Abts in a press release from ICON. “The systematic failure to rescue hostages, prosecute terrorists, or protect vulnerable communities raises serious questions about whether government officials are turning a blind eye—or worse—actively enabling these crimes,” Abts wrote.
“You will never see it on Al Jazeera, CNN, or local TV networks that Christians are being kidnapped, killed, and maimed. But if it happens to Muslims, Al Jazeera and other international networks will amplify it loudly,” Rev. David Azzaman said to TruthNigeria.
“They will even call it Islamophobia, but there is no term like Christophobia for the genocide,” he added.
Silence from Leaders and Authorities
Azzaman lamented that Christian leaders in Nigeria, along with both the federal and state governments, have remained silent despite widespread violence against Christians, particularly in Kaduna and Benue states. “Here in Nigeria, especially in Kaduna and Benue, Christians are being kidnapped and killed on a large scale, yet no one talks about it. Even Christian leaders refuse to speak out, which allows the federal and state governments to remain silent,” he said.
Praise for TruthNigeria
The cleric commended TruthNigeria for its consistent reporting on attacks against Christians, saying it is one of the few media outlets exposing the crisis. “I want to thank TruthNigeria.com and TruthNigeria TV for helping Christians in Nigeria. Through your reporting, the world is beginning to understand what is really happening here,” Azzaman said.
Religious violence and kidnappings for ransom have plagued several regions in Nigeria, with Christian communities often among the most affected. While government authorities have pledged to tackle insecurity, many Christian leaders and rights groups argue that more needs to be done to protect vulnerable communities. However, Azzaman called on all Christians—including Catholics, Baptists, ECWA, and Methodists—to unite and report every case of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. “I urge all Christians to report these incidents by tagging TruthNigeria on social media. Let the world know what is happening, and I assure you, God will help us,” he said.
Senator Raised Alarm in January Over Terrorist Activities in Kauru
In January 2025, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung the law maker representing Southern Kaduna which is composed of Kajuru and Kauru, raised alarm about the growing terrorist activities in Kauru county following the abduction of 22 women and children by Terrorists in that area.
The attacks occurred in Kugauta community of Kusheka, Kumana Chiefdom, and Kitanda community of Geshere, Kumana Chiefdom—all in Kauru. Katung condemned the violence and urged the military and Kaduna State Government to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kauru and other high-risk areas to curb insecurity. “These atrocities against our people must not continue unchecked. The security of lives and property must be prioritized,” he said.
The senator also called on security agencies to intensify patrols and urged communities to provide intelligence to aid in arrests. “This, too, shall pass. We will not relent in our pursuit of security and justice for Southern Kaduna,” he vowed.
Mike Odeh James is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
