Initial Police Denial of Worshippers’ Abduction Is Worrisome – CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stated yesterday that the initial public denial of reports regarding the kidnapping of 170 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, by the Nigeria Police, prior to any verification, was not only concerning but also caused confusion, increased fear, and unfairly questioned the credibility of eyewitnesses who had raised the alarm.

Last Sunday, gunmen in the village assaulted three churches at the same time, kidnapping 170 people while some managed to flee.

However, Muhammad Rabiu, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, stated late on Monday that “there was no evidence of the attack” after police visited the neighborhood. Reports of the attack, according to Rabiu, were “ru-mours…sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace that Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration.”

After studying a later news release from the Nigeria Police confirming the kidnapping of the 170 worshippers, CAN issued a statement on Wednesday urging responsibility and prudence in security communications.

The association acknowledged the difficulties in confirming security incidents, particularly in isolated communities. However, it stated that these difficulties shouldn’t be used as justifications for deceiving the public, especially where there are risks to human life.

According to its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the Christian organization

warned that public communication should not come out as contemptuous of the pain or anxieties of impacted residents in such serious situations.

“While the need to avoid panic is understandable, caution must not be communicated in ways that suggest denial or indifference,” said CAN.

“Senior security officials’ statements carry a lot of weight and should be guided by due diligence, empathy, and a clear understanding of their impact on public trust and social stability.”

Okoh added that CAN has taken notice of the following police confirmation of the occurrence while appealing for the abductees’ quick and unconditional release. He praised Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, for overseeing the transfer of information and operational resources to the impacted region.

“These steps are necessary and welcome,” said Okoh. They must, however, be utilized in conjunction with a future crisis communication strategy that is more focused on people and more disciplined.

“We urge all security agencies and pertinent authorities to improve cooperation, enhance verification procedures, and guarantee that reliable community reports are given the attention they merit.

“Genuine distress calls must be honored, victims must be protected, and false information—whether sensational or dismissive—must be avoided.”

“CAN also urges governments at all levels to confront the persistent insecurity across the country with renewed urgency, as repeated incidents continue to endanger lives, disrupt worship, and erode public confidence,” the statement stated.

Sani visits the Kurmin Wali community and promises to make sure the victims of kidnapping return safely.

Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, promised that his administration will work with security services to secure the safe return of everyone who was kidnapped last Sunday during church services in the Kurmin Wali community.

During a visit to the neighborhood yesterday, Sani made the guarantee and stated that he would not stop working until the victims had safely returned home.

“We have been working with the relevant security agencies, including the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of National Security Adviser, in the last two days to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people who were abducted in this very important community,” the governor stated.

“It is the responsibility of the Kaduna State government to protect the lives and property of the people,” he declared, even if only one person was kidnapped.

“We should not be talking about numbers or politics,” the governor warned, denouncing individuals he claimed had been exploiting the regrettable tragedy to gain political points.

Here, we are discussing human dignity and the sacredness of life. For this reason, in order to guarantee our people’s prompt return to Kurmin Wali, we will do everything in our power to work with the security services.

Sani pledged that the state government will pay for the injured parties’ medical expenses.

Given the area’s closeness to the kidnapping hotspots, he continued, the state government would work with Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), Minister of Defense, to set up a military facility there.

According to Sani, robbers had taken refuge in the interior, but the military had managed to limit the unrest along the Kaduna-Abuja motorway.

He claimed that Kurmin Wali was located near Rijana town, one of the nation’s banditry hotspots.

In addition, he pledged that the road connecting the neighborhood to the highway will be built, stating that the Commissioner for Public Works would do the required evaluation before the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.

“We protect the lives of everyone, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation,” Sani said. Kaduna State is a single entity. And I’m glad that Kurmin Wali residents have a firm understanding of that.

“For this reason, even those of us who are grieving and in mourning were welcomed with open arms when we came in.”

Chief Dauda Titus of the Agwam Kufana previously stated that he was in church on Sunday when he received a distress call from the community alerting him to the attack.

“We refused to comment on the incident since Sunday because we don’t know the number of those that were kidnapped,” he stated. All we told was that there was an incident and some persons were kidnapped.

Atiku bemoans bandits’ audacity

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, voiced alarm about the growing boldness of robbers, who struck without resistance.

In response to the attack on the Kurmin Wali community, Atiku expressed concern that the same criminals were busy attacking communities and kidnapping captives while certain states claimed victory in their peace agreements with bandits.

“Seeing non-state actors holding the country hostage and attacking people and taking hostages again and again unchallenged is incredibly embarrassing,” he said.

He said that when governors were pleading with bandits on their knees in the name of peace agreements, it was hard to achieve deterrence.

The former vice president stated that although he was not opposed to talks to put a stop to the carnage, he would not tolerate a scenario in which bandits set the conditions of any peace agreements.

“The government’s negotiators have always been duped by those peace agreements, which always benefit the bandits more than their victims,” he claimed.

Atiku suggested that the government should act without waiting for bandits to begin attacks.

“Nigerians are no longer impressed by the strong language of condemnation by the government,” he said. They are less interested in rhetoric and more in outcomes.

“History demonstrates that the threat would have been eliminated long ago if rhetoric were sufficient to discourage the bandits.”

The leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) emphasized that the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Tinubu, must be held responsible for fulfilling its own campaign pledges to eradicate insecurity in the nation.

“Nigerians cannot find solace in justifications,” he declared. The Tinubu administration must be held to the same standards since the APC, a former opposition party, put the then-government to the most severe and ruthless standards.

PDP: Shameful Denial by the Government and Police

The federal government’s inaction and the police’s initial categorical denial of the kidnapping of over 170 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area were criticized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who claimed that this was a dangerous pattern that had been repeated throughout the APC rule.

According to the PDP, this kind of attitude appeared to be an intentional attempt to hide the facts from Nigerians and to normalize insecurity.

“When news of this mass kidnapping first emerged, the Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu did not just deny that it happened, he recklessly dismissed it as the work of mischief makers, peddled by ‘conflict entrepreneurs,'” according to a statement released by PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong.

“He then had the audacity to demand details of victims,” the PDP spokesperson stated about the Kaduna State police commissioner. In a same vein, the chairman of the Kajuru local government denied that any kidnapping incidents took place within his purview.

These denials are extremely offensive not only because they are obviously untrue but also because they show how carelessly this government handles important issues like security.

The villagers claim that the police were notified right away when the kidnapping took place, which makes this even more agonizing.

They may have taken action. Rather, they opted for denial, putting the government’s reputation ahead of 163 Nigerian lives.

Ememobong said, “Unfortunately, the Commissioner of Police and Chairman have been silent, without offering any apologies for their irresponsible conduct and failure to protect the people, since the police eventually accepted the reality of the sad incident, after the residents and the Christian Association of Nigeria provided the names of those kidnapped.”

“This public betrayal and unsuccessful cover-up is extremely disgraceful and unacceptable.”

“The Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area must immediately publicly apologize for their initial denial and inaction,” the PDP urged.

“That the federal government send out a highly skilled security team right away to find, save, and safely return these kidnapped Nigerians to their homes and families.”

The party called on the administration to give up on performative governance, which put appearances before content.

“The government’s job is to solve problems, not to win praise.” There are one hundred sixty-three households waiting. “They should take action instead of making excuses,” the PDP stated.

NHRC Denounces Kano’s Murder of Women and Children

The horrific murder of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters, Kano State, was denounced by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which called it an attack on human dignity and a flagrant violation of the right to life.

According to reports, unidentified intruders stormed into the family’s home on Saturday, January 17, slaughtered the victims with lethal weapons, and allegedly dropped a baby down a well.

Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, stated that the act was not only illegal but also a grave violation of Nigeria’s duties under the constitution and international human rights treaties.

According to Ojukwu, the right to life is inalienable and ought to be safeguarded at all times, especially for vulnerable populations like women and children.

He emphasized that such activities jeopardize public safety and undermine the rule of law, expressing profound worry about the degree of brutality displayed in the incident.

In order to identify and prosecute those guilty, he urged Nigeria Police and other pertinent security authorities to conduct an exhaustive and open investigation.

The families of the victims, the Dorayi Chiranchi village, and the people of Kano State received condolences from NHRC, which also assured them of the commission’s support during the time of grief.

In addition, the commission reiterated its dedication to advancing and defending human rights throughout the nation and said that it was prepared to collaborate with law enforcement to guarantee justice and responsibility in the case.

Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA), another human rights advocacy organization, denounced the murders as well, calling them a serious breach of fundamental human rights and a failure of governmental protection.

The organization claimed that the murder of a woman and her children had horrified the country and threatened the principles of justice, humanity, and the rule of law in a statement released on Tuesday by its legal officer, Hameed Jimoh.

According to SOJA, the event constituted a grave violation of both the norms of international human rights instruments that Nigeria was a signatory to and the right to life as provided by Section 33 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The group emphasized that the Nigerian state was clearly obligated to safeguard life and guarantee responsibility for violations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Rev. Fr., a Catholic cleric in Anambra. Nwankwo Tells of His Experience with Gunmen

Rev. Fr. is a Catholic priest and Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia in the Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State. Lawrence Nwankwo described what happened to him when he was being held captive.

Nwankwo recounted his trauma and, with God’s grace, survival at the Ekwulobia roundabout during an attack on July 9, 2025, in what he called a 44-minute encounter with gunmen.

On his trip from Ekwulobia to Awka, the state capital, he told reporters that the incident occurred between 7:30 and 8:14 in the morning.

His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, celebrated a Mass of gratitude for the priest in his Igweakpu village, Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area, the state.

He said that God saved him after the thugs put him in his car’s trunk to take him away.

Nwankwo said, “I was on my way to Awka.” I stopped waiting for the traffic light to turn green because it was still red. However, there had been gunfire in every direction prior to this.

“I witnessed someone firing as they approached the roundabout from Nanka Road. On the route to Isuofia, I noticed a woman resting on the road divider. I surmised that the bullet had struck her.

“And there were gunshots coming from the highway to Oko, so I got out of the car and got back in since I had just driven away from Aguata and I wasn’t sure it would be safe to run back.

“I was in the car, in the passenger’s side behind the driver’s seat, when the door was opened. One of them, wearing a wig and a hood, told me to get down, give them the car’s key, and go into the trunk.”

I carried out all of that. Then he turned on the car, applied the brakes, and declared, “We’ll take this!”He left the driver’s door open and the engine running, most likely to make an easy getaway.

I was completely powerless in that situation, yet I was acutely aware that I might be in a kidnapper’s den. The gunmen did not stop shooting. Occasionally, I received requests for “another magazine!”Perhaps by those who had to replenish their weapons.

Abruptly, I heard someone yell, “Who’s that coming?”In addition to an increase in the quantity and force of gunfire at that time, the firearms’ sounds had changed.

“Don’t shoot from behind!” was another order I heard.I found out that the Joint Intervention Force had come and driven the gunmen out after the incident.

He stated he stayed in the trunk, remembering that even after a bullet hit his toe at 7.48 a.m., he was still taken aback by his composure and presence of mind.

“Having committed myself into God’s hands, I was there waiting, not knowing whether, when, and where another bullet might strike,” he said. Thank God I wasn’t hit by any more bullets. God saved me, I’m positive.

The car took 19 bullet hits. In fact, it was methodically shot at to eliminate any possible danger rather than just being peppered with bullets. Bullets hit the spare tire underneath the trunk where I was lying.

“Bullets were all over the passenger seat where I hid until one of the gunmen told me to go to the trunk.” It was obvious that God used the gunman to bring me to a secure area of the car, and God continued to offer more security even in the trunk.

Terrorists are neutralized by the Army, and 62 hostages are released in a coordinated operation

Two terrorists were successfully killed and sixty-two hostages were freed during coordinated operations in the states of Kebbi and Zamfara, according to the Nigerian Army’s Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Lieutenant-Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, stated that the actions were carried out in close coordination with local vigilantes and allied security forces.

Two terrorists were killed and two motorcycles used by the rebels were recovered when troops in Kebbi State ambushed members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group close to the boundary between Augie and Binji local government areas, according to an army statement.

The motorcycles were equipped with technology for long-range mobility and padded with thick blankets, and the terrorists were dressed in camouflage outfits.

Similarly, troops in Zamfara State invaded Munhaye Forest, where infamous bandit leader Kachalla Alti was believed to lurk, and freed 62 kidnapped victims. The hostages have been placed in secure care, according to the army, and attempts are underway to bring them back to their families.

According to Osoba’s statement, “the operations highlight the unwavering efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle terrorist networks, restore security, and protect lives in the region.”

20 terrorists are killed by troops, and soldiers pay the highest price in a fierce battle.

In the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State, troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) engaged rebel combatants in a fierce and prolonged battle that resulted in the deaths of over twenty terrorists, according to the military.

A number of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) lost their lives during the combat, according to the Joint Task Force, North East. Despite the operation’s notable successes, there were sacrifices made.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, stated in a statement that soldiers had persisted in their vigorous push into the Timbuktu Triangle, gradually weakening terrorist networks that were firmly established there.

He claimed that the most recent phase of operations concentrated on eliminating and controlling important terrorist strongholds, such as Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the general Ajigin/Abirma districts.

“Troops made sporadic contact with fleeing terrorist elements as they advanced,” stated Uba. Numerous terrorists were neutralized as a result of the intense gunfire that followed these engagements.

He described how two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) threatened troops on January 20 when they were consolidating at a harbor area, approximately six kilometers north of Chilaria.

“One of the VBIEDs was effectively neutralized thanks to alertness and quick action. But several logistics systems were impacted by the second VBIED, which broke through the defensive posture, he claimed.

Some brave soldiers and CJTF members paid the ultimate price during the assault, Uba continued, while others suffered varied degrees of injuries.

He claimed that Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters quickly transported the injured soldiers to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital so they could receive medical attention.

According to Uba, Nigerian Air Force platforms from the Air Component worked in tandem with other Nigerian Army air assets to provide constant overwatch during the evacuation process, ensuring the security of ground troops who continued to engage and neutralize terrorist elements as well as the safe extraction of casualties.

Later, troops discovered mass graves including an estimated 20 terrorist remains, which further demonstrated the extent of the militants’ losses.

According to Uba, the bodies were those of people who had been murdered in earlier conflicts in the Timbuktu Triangle and had been buried by their escaping companions.

He went on, “This discovery clearly exposes the extent of terrorist casualties and further discredits the propaganda narratives often pushed by these groups.”

The military reported that unit morale and combat effectiveness were good throughout the Northeast theater, and the security situation was mostly stable.