Conflicting reports have emerged over the alleged abduction of more than 170 worshippers during Sunday church services in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, leaving residents confused and deeply unsettled.
The incident was said to have occurred in Kurmin Wali community, where gunmen reportedly stormed three churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim congregations. Local residents claimed the attackers arrived in large numbers, firing shots to scare people before surrounding the churches and forcing worshippers into nearby forests.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, confirmed the incident, describing it as “sad and painful.” According to him, about 172 worshippers were initially taken, with nine managing to escape, while 163 remained in captivity. He said the church remains hopeful and is working with security agencies to ensure the safe return of those affected.
However, Kaduna State Police Command strongly denied the reports. The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, described the claims as false and challenged anyone alleging a kidnapping to provide names and details of victims. He warned that those spreading unverified information could face legal consequences.
Backing the police, Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said security agencies immediately visited the area after hearing the reports but found no evidence of any attack. According to him, the village head and youth leader of Kurmin Wali also denied that any kidnapping took place.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, said investigations and consultations with religious leaders confirmed that the reports circulating online were unfounded, stressing that the state government has zero tolerance for criminal activity.
Despite the official denials, tension remains high in the area, with residents insisting that an attack occurred and some worshippers are still missing.
Reacting to the development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the alleged abduction as a serious failure of the nation’s security system. The opposition party said repeated attacks on worship centres show the Federal Government’s inability to protect citizens and called for urgent action beyond official statements.
As of press time, efforts to get confirmation from the Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful, leaving many Nigerians awaiting clarity amid the conflicting accounts.
