Christian Entity Urges International Community to Pressure Nigeria after Kaduna Attacks

In the report, CSW officials highlight the  Match 28  Abuja-Kaduna train attack as one of the "particularly alarming developments."

At least eight people were reportedly killed and 21 others abducted when armed assailants stopped the Kaduna-bound train. 

"Those needing to travel to the capital, Abuja, are now obliged to risk the Abuja-Kaduna highway, one of the most dangerous roads in the country where kidnappers ambush vehicles regularly," CSW officials say. 

They add that the train attack occurred days after airline operators suspended services to Kaduna International Airport following an attack. 

Bandits invaded the airport on March 26 and killed a Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) worker during their 12-hour invasion. 

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CSW officials further highlight the March 30 incident where a customs officers and his son were among several people abducted during an attack on the Kofar Gayan low-cost area of Zaria city. 

That same evening, they say, seven people were killed in Kachia and Aburon Local Government Areas, Southern Kaduna, when many assailants undertook a house to house operation. 

In the report, CSW Founder President says the inaction in Kaduna “cannot continue”, adding that the situation in the Nigerian State "warrants a state of emergency." 

"We therefore call, as we have many times before, on both the state and federal authorities to do far more to counter the alarming surge in violence, and to prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities," Mr. Mervyn says. 

He adds, “The significant rise in abductions for ransom are particularly worrying, as they indicate an effort to raise funds illicitly for unknown malign purposes.” 

Last week, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State called on the government to deploy "everything at its disposal to crush the bandits who have had a field day in Kaduna State and elsewhere in Nigeria.” 

CAN Chairman in Kaduna State said the government should employ "innovative and professional strategies" to deal with the insurgents including bandits who seem to have "evolved an extended network for intelligence gathering and planning to fulfil their mission. " 

Pastor John Hayab who was speaking on behalf of CAN members who include representatives of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) also urged Christians to continue to pray for peace to reign in the West African nation.

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.