Key Points

• Gunmen kidnapped 177 worshippers from three churches in Kajuru, Kaduna State

• Police and state officials first denied the attack before later confirmation

• ACF, CAN, SOKAPU, PFN and others demand quick rescue and public apology

Many groups across Nigeria have asked the Federal Government to act fast and rescue worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna State.

They also asked the police and Kaduna State Government to apologise for first saying the abduction never happened.

Bandits attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, and kidnapped at least 177 worshippers. Some of them were children and elderly people.

After the attack, the Kaduna State Police Command, the state government, and the Kajuru council chairman said there was no mass abduction. This angered community leaders, church groups, and regional organisations.

Later, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed that the abduction did happen. This made the earlier denial worse in the eyes of many Nigerians.

Groups that spoke out included the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Adara Development Association (ADA), and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

ACF: Authorities handled it badly

The Arewa Consultative Forum said it was deeply sad about the abduction. The group said the way authorities handled the matter was poor and disappointing.

ACF spokesman, Prof. Tukur Baba, said the denial came at a bad time when the world is watching Nigeria’s security problems closely.

He said denying such a serious incident showed poor communication and poor coordination among authorities.

According to him, security agencies should have verified facts properly instead of dismissing the reports.

CAN: Police statements caused fear

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the police handled the situation badly by denying it too quickly.

He said the denial caused fear, confusion, and pain for families of the victims.

Archbishop Okoh said even when facts are still being checked, officials should speak with care and empathy, especially when lives are involved.

He welcomed the police confirmation and deployment of security forces, but said words from leaders matter and must be chosen carefully.

CAN called for the immediate and safe release of all abducted worshippers.

SOKAPU: Governor engaged security agencies

SOKAPU described the abduction as painful but said Governor Uba Sani acted quickly by engaging security agencies.

The group said it is watching events closely and pushing for the rescue of the victims.

PFN: This is violence

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria condemned the attack and called it an act of violence.

PFN said government must act fast to rescue the worshippers and protect citizens.

The group said it stands with affected families and prayed for the safe return of all victims.

ADA: Officials tried to cover it up

The Adara Development Association accused security officials and the local council chairman of hiding the truth.

ADA said 50 people were taken from one church, 92 from another, and 24 from ECWA.

The group said victims were taken at gunpoint and marched into the forest.

ADA said it submitted a list of abducted persons and challenged officials who denied the incident to prove their claims.

The group demanded a public apology and asked Governor Uba Sani to step in and ensure accountability.

ECWA urges calm

ECWA confirmed that one of its churches was attacked.

The church asked members to stay calm and called on government to secure the release of those taken.

Middle Belt Forum criticises denial

The Middle Belt Forum said the incident shows how Nigeria keeps denying serious security problems.

Its president, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said kidnappings and killings are real but are often downplayed.

He said security agencies know where terrorists operate and should act decisively instead of allowing attacks to continue.

Governor Sani promises action

Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali and promised that the abducted worshippers would return safely.

He said protecting lives is his government’s top duty.

He said the state is working with the military, police, DSS, and national security agencies to rescue the victims.

The governor said the debate over numbers does not matter.

“Even if it is one person, government must act,” he said.

Presidency: Insecurity not religious

The Presidency said insecurity in Nigeria should not be seen as a religious war.

A presidential aide said people of all faiths are affected and warned against stories that divide Nigerians.

He said government is working with religious leaders to promote peace and unity.