The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern region, Joseph Hayab, has strongly criticized the police for initially denying reports of a mass abduction in Kaduna State, claiming the denial wasted critical time and hindered prompt rescue operations.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, when armed gunmen stormed three churches in the remote community of Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, during worship services.
Attackers reportedly used sophisticated weapons, blocked church entrances, and forcibly took worshippers into nearby bushes. Sources, including church elders and community leaders, initially reported that around 172 people were abducted, with some accounts citing up to 177 missing.
Several victims, including elderly women, young children, and others (with figures ranging from 9 to 11 escapes reported), later managed to flee or were released, leaving an estimated 163 still in captivity according to CAN and other Christian groups.
On Monday, January 19, the Kaduna State Police Command, led by Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu, outright rejected the abduction reports in a joint statement with local officials, labeling them as "mere falsehood" spread by "conflict entrepreneurs" intent on causing chaos.
This denial came despite early alerts to security agencies from the local government chairman and community sources.Christian Solidarity Worldwide-Nigeria (CSW-N) also confirmed the kidnappings and accused security forces of blocking verification efforts, including preventing their team from accessing the area.By Tuesday, January 20, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reversed course.
National spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin acknowledged that an abduction had taken place, confirming over 100 worshippers were taken. He explained the initial cautious response was intended to avoid unnecessary panic while facts were verified, and stated that security operations were underway to locate and rescue the victims.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, January 21, Rev. Joseph Hayab expressed deep disappointment, describing the police commissioner's denial as "a total disappointment" and "a total failure." He argued that the delay in acknowledgment eroded public trust in security agencies and directly impeded rescue efforts.
"The manner the police commissioner and other security agencies came out to outrightly deny the abduction was a total disappointment and a total failure," Hayab said. "The denial has increased the lack of trust that exists between the people and those who are securing them."
He further emphasized: "Look at the time they used in denial. That time they’re supposed to be using to pursue the bandits, but they chose to allow the bandits to go far before coming to acknowledge that the information we gave them was true and remains true."
Hayab noted that security agencies had been informed immediately after the attack and even acknowledged higher numbers privately at one point. He added that in a civilized society, such a response from leadership would warrant resignation or dismissal.
The abduction in Kurmin Wali adds to ongoing security challenges in northern and central Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target remote communities, schools, and places of worship for kidnappings, often demanding ransoms. Kajuru LGA has seen repeated attacks, including a prior incident in the same community just days earlier.
No group has claimed responsibility, and efforts to secure the release of the remaining captives continue amid calls for improved protection for vulnerable Christian communities in the region.
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