Kaduna Abduction: US Urges Nigeria to Strengthen Protection of Christians

The United States has called on the Nigerian government to take stronger and more decisive measures to protect Christian communities following the abduction of more than 170 worshippers in Kaduna State

The incident has renewed concerns over religiously motivated violence in Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central region. While the Kaduna State Government and the police initially denied reports of the abduction, the police later confirmed on Wednesday that the worshippers were indeed taken.

Reports indicate that the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at ₦28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.

Speaking at a high-level U.S.–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja on Thursday, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said that although some progress had been recorded, recent attacks showed Nigeria needed to do more to guarantee the safety of Christians and their right to practise their faith freely.

Hooker noted that recent successes, including the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State and 265 others taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School, demonstrated the impact of sustained engagement with the Nigerian government, but stressed that continued efforts were necessary to deter violence, investigate attacks, and hold perpetrators accountable.