CAN urges Kaduna authorities to rescue worshippers abducted in Kajuru, criticises initial denials and calls for urgent action against perpetrators

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Joseph Hayab, has condemned initial denials by security authorities over the abduction of worshippers from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

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Hayab confirmed that discussions with security officials verified that “innocent Nigerians were taken away from their church.”

“Over an hour ago, we were all on the same page. This unfortunate incident happened. Innocent Nigerians were taken away from their church. There is no longer debate about it,” he said, adding that authorities promised to pursue the abductors.

Conflicting reports initially clouded the incident.

Local sources claimed that three churches were attacked and dozens of worshippers abducted, while the Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Rabiu, initially reported no evidence of an attack.

Subsequent intelligence confirmed the abduction in Kurmin Wali, prompting the deployment of tactical units for search-and-rescue operations.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed full deployment of operational and intelligence assets in Kajuru and surrounding communities.

Hayab emphasised that CAN’s extensive grassroots network enabled the association to verify reports.

He received the first alert on Sunday at 2:56pm regarding unverified abductions at Cherebun, Serebun I and II (also known as Bishara and Haske), and a nearby ECWA church.

“The message later confirmed that gunmen had shut the churches, lined worshippers up, and marched them into the bush,” Hayab said, noting that fear and displacement initially hindered verification.

While some reports circulated claims of 163 abducted, Hayab stressed that CAN aimed to focus on rescuing the victims rather than inflating numbers.

“A lot of people were kidnapped, that is the truth. Some escaped and returned, which affected the numbers. What we told the government is: let us not debate too much about numbers. Let us focus on the fact that people were taken in good numbers,” he said.

The CAN president also criticised the initial denial by security agencies.

“The moment the incident happened, security agencies were informed. That denial was the most unfortunate statement,” he said, expressing sympathy for Governor Uba Sani, who reportedly received incorrect information.

Hayab described the perpetrators as terrorists, citing intelligence of planned attacks on Christians in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and other states.

He called for national unity in addressing insecurity, stressing that “we don’t want Christian communities safe while others are not. If my neighbour is not safe, I am not safe.”

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He concluded by urging authorities to act swiftly: “A good number of people were taken. What we are simply calling for is: get our people back. Nigerians just want assurance and action.”