The Kaduna State Government and the state's police command have issued a firm and unified dismissal of widespread online reports alleging the mass abduction of worshippers from two churches in Kajuru Local Government Area. The authorities have labeled the alarming story as a complete falsehood, attributing it to individuals they describe as "conflict entrepreneurs."
Contradictory Claims: CAN Chairman's Alarm vs. Official Denial
Reports had circulated online and were amplified by the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Hayab, claiming a distressing incident. According to these reports, on Sunday, January 18, suspected bandits attacked Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in the Kurmin Wali community.
Rev. Hayab stated he received a distress call indicating that assailants stormed the churches during service, locked the gates, and forcefully marched an unspecified number of worshippers into the bush. He initially claimed that as of Monday, January 19, 163 worshippers were still held captive, though he noted that eight had managed to escape. He called on security agencies to launch a full-scale rescue operation.
Official Investigations Find No Evidence of Attack
In stark contrast, the Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Rabiu, categorically dismissed the reports after a State Security Council meeting held on Monday, January 19, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House. Commissioner Rabiu challenged the purveyors of the news to provide concrete evidence, including the names and details of the alleged victims.
Echoing the police position, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, provided a detailed account of his immediate response. "We visited the church where the so-called kidnapping took place. There was no evidence of the attack," Madaki stated. He confirmed that he personally mobilized police and other security personnel to Kurmin Wali upon hearing the rumours and interviewed local leaders, including the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and youth leader Bernard Bona, all of whom denied any such incident occurred.
Madaki further challenged anyone with contrary information to provide a list of the kidnapped individuals, a list he said has not been forthcoming. He suggested the rumour was sponsored by elements unhappy with the relative peace in Kajuru.
Government Assures Public, Urges Calm and Vigilance
The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), reinforced the government's stance, confirming that religious leaders, including the CAN chairman, had interacted with the community and found the reports to be "completely false." Shuaibu assured residents of the state government's "zero tolerance for criminality" and its commitment to security.
Authorities have advised residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and report any suspicious movements or individuals spreading unverified rumours to security agencies immediately. The concerted message from the government and police is aimed at preventing panic and maintaining the peace in the state.
