CAN reportedly claims abduction of 163 worshippers in Southern Kaduna; It’s a lie – Police, Council Chair
By OUR REPORTER
The Kaduna State Police Command has dismissed the reports as false. Speaking to journalists after a State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, described the claims as fabrications by “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to destabilise the state.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has alleged that no fewer than 163 worshippers were abducted by suspected terrorists in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to CAN, the incident occurred on Sunday during church services at Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in the community. Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, told journalists on Monday that the attackers reportedly stormed the churches while worship was ongoing, locked the gates and forcefully marched congregants into the surrounding bush.
Hayab said eight of the abducted worshippers later escaped, while 163 others were still allegedly being held as of Monday. He added that security agencies had been alerted and were working to rescue the victims. He commended their efforts and urged them to ensure the safe release of those abducted.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command has dismissed the reports as false. Speaking to journalists after a State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, described the claims as fabrications by “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to destabilise the state.
“The story is a mere falsehood. Anyone who claims people were kidnapped should come forward with names and particulars,” Rabiu said, warning that those spreading rumours would face legal consequences.
The Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Mr. Dauda Madaki, also denied that any abduction took place. He said security agencies immediately visited Kurmin Wali following the reports but found no evidence of an attack.
“When I heard the rumour, I mobilised the police and other security forces to the area. We visited the church where the incident was said to have occurred and found no trace of any attack,” Madaki said. He added that the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and the community’s youth leader, Bernard Bona, both confirmed that no such incident occurred.
Madaki claimed that no list or names of alleged victims had been provided, alleging that the rumour was sponsored by individuals unhappy with the relative peace in the area. He urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said investigations, including consultations with CAN leadership and other religious leaders, showed that the reports were unfounded. He reiterated the Kaduna State government’s zero tolerance for criminality.
