Kaduna State authorities have vehemently refuted claims of a mass abduction involving more than 100 worshippers during Sunday church services in Kurmin Wali
Kaduna Police Officials Dismiss BBC Others’ Reports of Over 100 Worshippers’ Abduction in Kajuru Church Attacks as ‘Falsehoods’
Kaduna State authorities have strongly refuted claims of a mass abduction involving more than 100 worshippers during Sunday church services in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, labeling the reports as deliberate falsehoods intended to undermine the state’s improving security.
The controversy began earlier on Monday, January 19, 2026, when some media outlets, including a BBC report, cited a senior church leader alleging that armed gangs kidnapped dozens—or over 160—worshippers from two churches during services in the forest community of Kurmin Wali, Afogo ward.
However, after a state security council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu directly challenged the claims, demanding verifiable evidence.
“Anyone who has evidence should come forward with the list of kidnapped persons and their particulars,” Rabiu said, warning that those spreading unverified reports would face the full weight of the law.
Kajuru Local Government Chairman Dauda Madaki supported the police stance, stating he promptly deployed security operatives to the area upon hearing the rumors but found no evidence of any attack.
“We visited the church where the so-called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of the attack,” Madaki stated.
He further noted that consultations with the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and community youth leader Bernard Bona confirmed no incident occurred, with both leaders denying any attack in the presence of journalists. Madaki challenged claimants to provide a victim list, attributing the rumor to those dissatisfied with recent security gains in Kajuru.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Sule Shuaibu revealed that religious leaders, including the Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had engaged community members and verified the reports as “completely false.”
Shuaibu reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance for criminality, urging residents to stay calm, carry on with lawful activities, and report suspicious movements or false information to security agencies promptly.
The swift denial highlights ongoing efforts to combat misinformation amid Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, as authorities emphasize the need for concrete evidence to address genuine threats effectively. Residents are encouraged to rely on official updates to avoid panic.
