163 Worshippers Allegedly Abducted in Southern Kaduna as CAN, Police Trade Words

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has raised the alarm over the alleged abduction of 163 Christian worshippers by suspected terrorists in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

However, the Kaduna State Police Command has firmly denied the report, describing it as false and challenging those making the claim to produce the names and details of any alleged victims.

Speaking to journalists on Monday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the worshippers were abducted during Sunday church services at Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali.

According to Hayab, the attackers stormed the churches while worship was ongoing, locked the gates and forcefully led the congregants into nearby bushes.

“I received a distress call from the CAN chairman in the area, who narrated how the attackers invaded the churches during service and marched the worshippers away,” Hayab said.

He added that eight of the abducted worshippers later escaped, while 163 others were still being held as of Monday.

“Security officers are already on top of the matter. We commend their efforts and urge them to do everything possible to rescue our brothers and sisters safely and unhurt in good time,” he said.

The alleged incident has renewed concerns over persistent security challenges in parts of Southern Kaduna, where communities have continued to face attacks despite ongoing security operations.

Police deny claims

Reacting swiftly, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed the report, describing it as a fabrication by what he termed “conflict entrepreneurs.”

“The story is a mere falsehood. Anyone who claims people were kidnapped should come forward with names and particulars,” Rabiu said after a State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House.

He warned that those spreading rumours would face the full weight of the law.

Local government backs police

The Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Mr. Dauda Madaki, also refuted the claims, saying security agencies immediately visited Kurmin Wali after hearing the report but found no evidence of any attack.

“When I heard the rumour, I mobilised the Police and other security forces to Kurmin Wali. We visited the church where the so-called kidnap was said to have occurred and found no trace of any incident,” Madaki said.

He added that the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and the community’s youth leader, Bernard Bona, both confirmed that no abduction took place.

“I have asked those making the claim to provide a list of the kidnapped persons. Till now, no one has come forward with a single name,” he said, alleging that the rumour was sponsored by individuals unhappy with the prevailing peace in the area.

Madaki urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.

Security commissioner speaks

Also commenting, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said investigations, including engagements with CAN leaders and other religious figures, showed the report was unfounded.

“What was circulated in the public space was completely false,” Shuaibu said, reiterating the Kaduna State government’s zero tolerance for criminality.

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