Kaduna govt dismisses reports of a mass abduction in Kajuru LGA, calling claims of 163 worshippers kidnapped false and misleading amid rising rumour circulation

Kaduna State Government and the Kaduna State Police Command have firmly rejected claims that over 100 worshippers were abducted during attacks on two churches in Kajuru Local Government Area.

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The authorities described the reports as false, misleading, and part of a deliberate attempt to incite fear.

The controversy erupted following claims that assailants had stormed Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali community on Sunday, allegedly abducting worshippers during services.

The Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. John Hayab, had stated that 163 worshippers were still held captive, with eight having escaped.

However, Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed the alleged abduction, attributing the report to “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to create chaos.

Rabiu challenged anyone spreading the claims to provide names of the supposed victims and warned that legal action would be taken against rumour mongers.

Similarly, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Dauda Madaki, confirmed that investigations by local authorities and security agencies revealed no evidence of such an attack.

Interviews with local leaders, including the village head and youth representatives, corroborated that no abductions had occurred.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, also affirmed that interactions with residents demonstrated the claims were entirely false, while reiterating the state government’s zero tolerance for criminality.

In contrast, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) urged the Federal Government to launch immediate rescue operations, citing the alleged abduction as evidence of worsening national security under the current administration.

The party called for urgent action to protect citizens’ right to worship safely and criticised what it described as misplaced government priorities on international image campaigns.

Despite these conflicting narratives, Kaduna authorities have advised residents to remain calm, continue lawful activities, and report any suspicious movements or attempts to spread false information.

Also read: Kaduna State dismisses kidnap report as false

The Kaduna State Government has emphasised its commitment to safeguarding peace and protecting citizens from threats, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that could destabilise local communities.