The Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Police Command have dismissed reports alleging the abduction of over 100 worshippers during attacks on two churches in Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of inciting panic.
The clarification followed widespread reports that suspected bandits on Sunday invaded Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali community, abducting worshippers during church services.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Hayab, had said he received a distress call from the CAN chairman in the area reporting an abduction.
“I received a distress call yesterday from the CAN chairman in that area that an unspecified number of residents of Kurmin Wali in Kajuru LGA were abducted from Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2,” Hayab said.
According to him, the attackers allegedly stormed the churches while services were ongoing, locked the gates, and forced worshippers into the bush.
“As of today, 163 worshippers are still in the hands of the terrorists,” Hayab said, adding that eight of the abducted persons later escaped.
Describing the incident as part of a broader attempt to instil fear and provoke religious tension, the CAN leader said such efforts would not succeed.
“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,” he said.
“Those who have made it their plan to create fear in our members and provoke us have failed woefully.”
Hayab called on the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Government, and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
“We are calling on government and security agencies to go out in full force to rescue our people. “We will stand in solidarity and provide any useful information that will expose this evil,” he said
He added that security operatives had already begun responding to the report.
“Security officers are already on top of the matter. We commend them and urge that they try everything possible to rescue our brothers and sisters safe and unhurt in good time,” Hayab said.
However, Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed the reported abduction, describing it as a fabrication.
Speaking to journalists after a State Security Council meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, Rabiu said the report was being circulated by “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to destabilise the state.
He challenged those behind the claims to provide the names and details of the alleged victims and warned against the spread of unverified information.
The police commissioner said the command would apply the full weight of the law against anyone spreading false reports capable of undermining peace and security in Kaduna State.
Similarly, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said investigations by the council and security agencies found no evidence of any attack.
Madaki said he immediately mobilised police officers and other security personnel to Kurmin Wali after learning of the allegation.
“We visited the church where the so-called kidnapping took place. There was no evidence of the attack,” he said.
“I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack. I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, who was interviewed by the pressmen that accompanied me, and he said that no such thing happened.”
Madaki challenged anyone with contrary claims to identify the alleged victims.
“So, I challenge anyone to name the people that were kidnapped and I have been waiting for this list and no one has come forward with a name,” he said.
“I believe that the rumour of the kidnap is being sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace that Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration.”
He urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and report any suspicious movements or rumour mongers to security agencies.
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