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Confusion as Conflicting Accounts Emerge Over Alleged Abduction of 172 Worshippers in Kaduna
Confusion has surrounded reports of the alleged abduction of more than 170 worshippers during attacks on three churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following sharply differing accounts from religious leaders, residents, and security authorities.
The incidents were said to have occurred on Sunday in Kurmin Wali community, where terrorists reportedly stormed three churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim congregations. According to residents, the attackers arrived in large numbers, fired sporadically to disperse the population and simultaneously surrounded the worship centres before leading congregants into nearby forests.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, confirmed that more than 170 worshippers were abducted. He said information from the area indicated that 172 people were initially taken, with nine later escaping, leaving about 163 still in captivity. Describing the development as tragic, Hayab said efforts were ongoing in collaboration with security agencies and government authorities to secure the victims’ safe return.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command and the Kajuru Local Government authorities flatly denied that any such kidnapping occurred. The State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed the reports as fabrications, challenging those making the claims to provide names and details of alleged victims. He warned that individuals spreading false information would be prosecuted.
Similarly, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Dauda Madaki, said security agencies immediately visited Kurmin Wali following the reports and found no evidence of an attack. According to him, the village head and youth leader of the community also confirmed that no worshippers were kidnapped. Madaki alleged that the rumour was being pushed by persons intent on undermining the relative peace in the area.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, SAN, said investigations and consultations with CAN leadership and other religious figures showed that the reports were unfounded, reiterating the state government’s zero tolerance for criminality.
Despite the official denials, the controversy has drawn political reactions. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the alleged abduction as a serious indictment of the Federal Government’s security framework. In a statement, the party expressed sympathy with affected families and warned that repeated attacks on places of worship highlight the failure to guarantee citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of worship.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful as the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, could not be reached at press time.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.