The United States has called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to safeguard Christian communities following the abduction of 177 worshippers in Kaduna State, an incident which has renewed concerns over religion-motivated violence in the country.
The abduction, which occurred on January 18, was initially denied by the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force on Monday. However, the Police later confirmed on Wednesday that the worshippers were indeed kidnapped.
Sources said the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at N28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.
The call by the US was made during a high-level United States-Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja yesterday, where the US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said recent incidents showed that Nigeria must do more to guarantee the safety of Christians and their right to freely practice their faith.
Responding, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledged the scale of the security challenge and said the Federal Government is intensifying military and law enforcement operations in affected areas.
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