The Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Police Command have dismissed reports alleging that more than 100 worshippers were abducted during attacks on two churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
Online reports had claimed that suspected bandits stormed Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali community on Sunday, January 18, abducting worshippers during church services.
The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Hayab, had earlier alleged that the assailants invaded the churches while services were ongoing, locked the gates and marched worshippers into the bush. He claimed that 163 worshippers were abducted, adding that eight of them later escaped.
“As of today, 163 worshippers are still in the hands of the terrorists. This is very sad news, but it will not change our resolve to work with government and security agencies to bring this evil to a stop,” Hayab said, while calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the alleged victims.
However, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, has described the reported abduction as false. Speaking to journalists after a State Security Council meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, January 19, Rabiu said the claim was being spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” intent on causing panic and instability in the state.
He challenged those making the allegations to provide the names and details of the purported victims.
Similarly, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said investigations by the council and security agencies found no evidence of any attack or abduction in Kurmin Wali. According to him, security personnel were immediately deployed to the area after the report surfaced.
“We visited the church where the so-called kidnapping took place and found no evidence of an attack. The village head, Mai Dan Zaria, confirmed that nothing of such happened. The youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, also said no such incident occurred,” Madaki stated.
He challenged anyone with contrary claims to produce the identities of the alleged abducted persons, noting that no list or verified information had been provided.
“I believe the rumour is being sponsored by people who are unhappy with the relative peace Kajuru has been enjoying under this administration,” he added.
Madaki urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while advising them to report any suspicious movements or rumour-mongering to security agencies.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said religious leaders, including CAN officials, had engaged with residents of the affected community and discovered that the report was false.
“What was pushed into the public space was completely untrue,” Shuaibu said, assuring residents that the Kaduna State Government maintains zero tolerance for criminality and remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
