***As 151 of our church members ‘re still in captive

By Olayinka Ajayi

The supreme head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, has urged the Bola Tinubu-led government to fortify the armed forces with the procurement of modern equipment to enhance their operational capabilities.

Briefing newsmen on Monday ahead of its 2026 annual general conference billed for January 29 to February 1, Alogbo disclosed that 156 members of C&S are still in the den of their abductors, having been abducted during Sunday service of January 18, 2026, at Wali, in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.

He said, “We cannot speak about the future without addressing the present realities of our nation. Insecurity remains a painful and pressing concern, affecting lives, livelihoods, and national cohesion.

As a church representing members who are citizens of Nigeria, we are deeply troubled by the loss of innocent lives, the displacement of families, and the pervasive atmosphere of fear in many communities across the country.

“As we speak, 156 members of our church – from the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church – are still in the den of their abductors, having been abducted during Sunday service on January 18, 2026, at Wali, in the Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.

“While we commend President Tinubu’s efforts at addressing the security challenges, the church, however, expressed worries over the recent increase in kidnappings, and the government should look critically into it.

“It is a fact today that Nigerians move round the country with fear and panic, as many roads are no longer safe again. I urge the Federal Government to continue to fortify our Armed Forces with the procurement of modern equipment to enhance their operational capabilities.

“We commend the Federal Government over the reduction in prices of essential food commodities in the market at the moment and called on the government to ensure sustenance of the price reduction of these commodities.

“While we commend the Federal Government for the bold steps taken upon assumption of leadership of the country to jettison the fuel subsidy regime, the Church, however, urges the Government to renew its effort at instituting remedial measures to cushion the hardship of that action on Nigerians.

“We also suggest to the Federal Government to partner more with religious leaders when trying to reach the generality of Nigerians at the grassroots on issues relating to the masses. The Federal Government should seek more collaboration with religious leaders to solicit cooperation of Nigerians at the grassroots level because of, among other things, their closeness to the people.

“While the nation prepares for another round of electioneering across all levels in the country, beginning this year, we urge the ruling party to provide a level playing field for all political actors in the country. The church also urges politicians to refrain from politics of violence and bitterness.”