LAGOS — The initial denials by the Kaduna State government and police over the mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, have sparked widespread condemnation from key stakeholders, who are demanding public apologies and urgent action to secure the release of the victims.
Reports indicate that at least 177 worshippers were kidnapped from three churches in the area. Despite this, the state police, government, and the local council chairman initially denied the incident.
Among those criticizing the authorities were the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Adara Development Association (ADA), the local Kajuru community, and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), whose branch was among those attacked.
The backlash followed the subsequent acknowledgment by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that the abduction had indeed occurred, contradicting earlier denials by the Kaduna State government and police command.
ACF Faults Authorities’ Response
The Arewa Consultative Forum condemned the authorities’ handling of the incident as disappointing and poorly managed. ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad Baba, described the abduction as happening at a particularly sensitive time amid intense scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation.
Baba criticized the initial denial, calling it a “messy public communication approach” and emphasized the need for improved coordination between political authorities and security agencies to address insecurity.
CAN Calls for Empathetic Communication and Rescue Efforts
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of CAN, faulted the Nigeria Police Force for prematurely dismissing reports of the abduction, warning that such actions deepen fear, erode public trust, and worsen the security situation.
While acknowledging the challenges of confirming incidents in remote communities, CAN stressed that such difficulties should not excuse lapses in handling sensitive cases involving human lives. Archbishop Okoh commended the Inspector-General for deploying operational and intelligence resources but urged a more disciplined, empathetic, and people-centered approach to crisis communication.
He called on all security agencies to treat credible community reports seriously and stressed the urgent need for the safe and unconditional release of all abducted worshippers.
SOKAPU, PFN, and ADA React
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union praised Governor Uba Sani for proactive engagement with security agencies despite conflicting reports, while calling for immediate rescue of the abductees.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria condemned the abduction as an act of violence and urged the government to ensure the victims’ release, offering prayers and condolences to families affected.
The Adara Development Association accused security officials and the local council chairman of deliberately downplaying the incident, describing public denials as “painful and misleading.” ADA demanded a public apology and called on the governor to demonstrate moral leadership and ensure accountability.
ECWA Urges Calm and Calls for Urgent Action
The Evangelical Church Winning All called for calm among members and requested that authorities prioritize the immediate rescue of the worshippers, while collating details of the attack.
Middle Belt Forum Decries Denial of Security Threats
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) condemned the continued denial of kidnappings, killings, and terrorism in Nigeria. MBF President Dr. Bitrus Pogu highlighted the recurring insecurity despite available intelligence resources, emphasizing that settlements with kidnappers only embolden terrorists.
Governor Uba Sani Vows Safe Return of Victims
During a visit to Kurmin Wali, Governor Uba Sani assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is working to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and providing medical care to those injured.
The governor dismissed debates over the number of abducted individuals, stressing that even the abduction of a single person warrants decisive government action.
Presidency Urges Unity, Rejects Religious Framing of Insecurity
The Presidency has rejected claims that insecurity in Nigeria is faith-driven, asserting that violence affects people of all religions. Senior Special Assistant on Chieftaincy Matters, Abba Tijjani Hashim, emphasized national unity and ongoing engagement with religious leaders to promote peace and security.
Methodist Archbishop of Anambra, Most Rev. Dr. Vincent Onoh, highlighted the importance of national cohesion and urged leaders to uphold values of unity, love, and service for lasting stability.
