The denial by the police and the Kaduna State government over the reported mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, has sparked widespread anger across the country, with prominent groups demanding public apologies and urgent action to rescue the victims.
Bandits were reported to have abducted at least 177 worshippers during attacks on three churches in the community. However, the Kaduna State Police Command, the state government, and the chairman of Kajuru LGA initially dismissed the reports, insisting that no such incident took place. This position later collapsed after the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed that the abductions did occur.
The contradiction triggered strong reactions from major stakeholders, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Adara Development Association (ADA), and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), one of the affected churches.
The ACF described the authorities’ handling of the incident as disappointing and poorly managed. Its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, said the initial denial exposed serious lapses in crisis communication, especially at a time when Nigeria’s security situation is under intense scrutiny locally and internationally. He warned that such responses erode public trust and called for better coordination between political leaders and security agencies.
CAN’s national president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, also criticised the police’s early statements, saying the dismissal of credible reports deepened fear and confusion while undermining the voices of victims and eyewitnesses. While commending the eventual intervention by the Inspector-General of Police, he stressed that security communication must be empathetic, careful, and people-centred. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted worshippers.
SOKAPU acknowledged the tragedy of the abduction but praised Governor Uba Sani for engaging security agencies despite conflicting reports. Its president, Samuel Tabara, said the group was closely monitoring developments and pushing for the safe return of the victims.
The PFN condemned the attack as an act of violence and urged the government to act decisively to secure the release of those abducted, while expressing solidarity with affected families and communities.
At the local level, the Adara Development Association accused security officials and the Kajuru council chairman of deliberately suppressing the truth. The group released a detailed breakdown of abducted worshippers and demanded a public apology from those who denied the incident, insisting that survivors and relatives were available to verify the claims.
ECWA urged calm among its members and appealed to the government to act swiftly to secure the release of its abducted worshippers, noting that the church was still collating details of the attack.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) went further, condemning what it described as the persistent denial of kidnappings and killings in Nigeria. Its president, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said the Kurmin Wali incident highlighted the gap between official narratives and realities on the ground, calling for tougher action against terrorists.
Governor Uba Sani later visited the community, assuring residents that the state government was working with the military, DSS, police, and other security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons. He stressed that every life mattered and dismissed debates over numbers, insisting that even one abducted person was enough reason for decisive action.
Meanwhile, the Presidency rejected claims that insecurity in Nigeria is driven by religious targeting, warning that such narratives could deepen divisions. Presidential aide Abba Tijjani Hashim urged Nigerians to focus on unity, noting that insecurity affects people of all faiths and backgrounds.
As pressure mounts, stakeholders insist that beyond assurances, the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers and accountability for the initial denial remain the true test of government sincerity.
