…As Police Make A U-Turn, Confirm Abductions In Kaduna Community
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in 19 Northern States and the FCT, Joseph John Hayab, has thrown more light on the alleged abduction of over 170 worshippers in three Kaduna churches.
Speaking during an interview on ‘Prime Time’, a programme on Arise Television, Hayab stated that the moment the abduction happened, security agencies were informed.
He was speaking on conflicting reports that trailed the alleged kidnapping of Christians.
The cleric said: “I think one of the reasons you are seeing figures flying today is because in the communication yesterday, in order to refute the story, there was a claim that, okay, if it really happened, show us the name.
“And before 5am the names were already flying everywhere. The truth is that a lot of people were kidnapped.
“So what we keep discussing with the government is that let’s not debate too much about number. Let’s focus about- ‘were people kidnapped?’ Yes! Some had to escape and return.
“The moment the incident happened, security agencies were informed. I think that’s why we were worried and angry. How could security agencies be informed and only to come out later and deny?
“Although these security agencies were informed, they later issued a denial. They sent a signal about this, but they keep denying it happened.
“The Council chairman of the area was even the first to give us the figure because we didn’t have the figure. The Christian Association has a fantastic network.
“Before I will ever say a word, I have more than enough evidence to prove that the story is true. I have done that for decades and never failed and won’t fail even on this one.
“Let me say the security agencies are mistaking information because if I say they are withholding, it will be bad for their image. However, sensitive issues like this must be treated thoroughly.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident occurred at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following thorough verification and intelligence assessments.
The confirmation came after the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, the commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, and a Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, had said on Monday that no kidnapping occurred in Ungwan Wali.
But the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev John Joseph Hayab, the President of Adara Development Association (ADA), Sabastine Barde and other leaders from the area said 177 people were kidnapped on Sunday while a few escaped. The leaders said they had the names of the people who were kidnapped.
In a press statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on Tuesday night, the police acknowledged public concern generated by initial reports of the incident, noting that such developments naturally cause fear and anxiety among residents and families.
Part of the statement read that “upon receipt of the initial report, the Kaduna State governor convened a meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Kaduna. During the meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the police, calling it false. This disagreement created uncertainty and underscored the need for caution and detailed verification by security agencies before issuing definitive public statements.”
The Force PRO also explained that comments made by the commissioner of police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were aimed at preventing unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed, noting that “the remarks, which were later misinterpreted by sections of the public, were not a denial of the incident but a preliminary response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the number and identities of those affected.
“Subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources has since confirmed that the abduction did take place. In response, the Nigeria Police Force activated coordinated security operations in collaboration with other security agencies, with the primary objective of locating and safely rescuing the victims while restoring calm to the affected area.”
Meanwhile, the inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
These measures include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive steps to protect lives and property.
The police appealed to the public and the media to exercise patience and cooperate with security agencies, urging reliance on official police communications for verified information. The Force also cautioned against speculation and sensational reporting, warning that such actions could undermine ongoing operations and heighten public anxiety.
The Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property and pledged to provide timely updates as the situation develops.