Stakeholders across Nigeria have intensified calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately rescue worshippers abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following widespread outrage over the initial denial of the incident by authorities.
The controversy erupted after reports emerged that no fewer than 177 worshippers were abducted during coordinated attacks on three churches in the community.
Early denials by the Kaduna State Police Command, the state government and the Kajuru Local Government Chairman drew sharp criticism from civil society, religious bodies and regional organisations.
The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union, SOKAPU, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Adara Development Association, ADA, Middle Belt Forum, MBF, and the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, have all condemned both the abduction and what they described as poor crisis communication by authorities.
Tensions heightened after the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed that the abduction did occur, contradicting earlier official statements from state-level authorities.
Reacting, the Arewa Consultative Forum expressed deep concern over the handling of the incident.
The Forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, described the initial denial as disappointing, warning that such responses undermine public trust at a time when Nigeria’s security situation is under intense national and international scrutiny.
He stressed the need for transparency, coordination and decisive action to address insecurity.
The Christian Association of Nigeria also faulted the police communication strategy.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the premature dismissal of reports caused confusion, heightened fear and unfairly cast doubt on victims and eyewitnesses.
While commending the Inspector-General of Police for deploying security assets to the area, Archbishop Okoh urged security agencies to adopt a more empathetic, people-centred approach to crisis communication.
He called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted worshippers.
Similarly, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union described the abduction as tragic but acknowledged Governor Uba Sani’s engagement with security agencies.
SOKAPU President, Samuel Tabara, said the state government had taken proactive steps despite conflicting reports, adding that the group was monitoring developments closely.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria condemned the incident as an act of violence against innocent worshippers.
PFN’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, called for urgent government intervention and offered prayers for the safe return of the victims, urging national unity in confronting insecurity.
At the community level, the Adara Development Association accused security officials and local authorities of suppressing the truth.
ADA President, Chief Sebastine Barde, provided a breakdown of abductees from the affected churches and demanded a public apology from the Kaduna State Police Commissioner and the Kajuru Local Government Chairman.
The group challenged officials to present evidence supporting their earlier denial and called on the governor to ensure accountability.
The Evangelical Church Winning All, one of the affected denominations, confirmed awareness of the incident and appealed for calm.
Its Public Relations Officer, Danjuma Auta, said the church was collating details and urged government to secure the release of its members.
The Middle Belt Forum also weighed in, describing the incident as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s persistent insecurity.
MBF President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, criticised what he called continued denial of mass kidnappings and killings, urging authorities to move beyond negotiations and decisively confront terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, visited Kurmin Wali community and assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with security agencies, was working to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons. The governor emphasised that every life matters, pledged medical support for injured residents and cautioned against politicising insecurity.
In a related reaction, the Presidency dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by religious targeting.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Chieftaincy Matters, Abba Tijjani Hashim, said violence affects Nigerians across faiths and warned that framing the crisis as a religious war could deepen divisions.
He called for unity and sustained engagement with religious leaders to promote peace.
As efforts continue to rescue the abducted worshippers, stakeholders insist that transparency, accountability and swift action remain critical to restoring public confidence and safeguarding lives across the country.