By SUNTV Global Channel
January 22, 2026
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force of deliberately attempting to cover up the abduction of worshippers from a church in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, describing the incident as a dangerous assault on public trust and national security.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed what it called “grave concern” over the initial denial of the abduction by state authorities and the police, only for the same authorities to later confirm the incident following public outrage.
According to the ADC, the episode raises a troubling national question about governance and security.
“Can a government whose first instinct is to withhold information and hide the truth be trusted to protect lives and improve security?” the party asked.
The opposition party rejected suggestions that the initial denial was a mere communication lapse, insisting that the action was deliberate.
“The deliberate denial of a verified mass abduction is not a communications error. It is the behaviour of a government more obsessed with optics than with solving problems,” the statement read.
The ADC stressed that transparency during security emergencies is critical, noting that truth plays a central role in guiding response efforts, enabling rescue operations, mobilising communities, and reassuring an anxious public.
It warned that silence or misinformation during violent incidents only worsens the situation, delays intervention, and deepens trauma for victims and affected communities.
“A government that lies during a security crisis does not merely fail its people; it actively places them at further risk,” the party said.
The ADC called for greater accountability and openness in the handling of security matters, arguing that concealing facts during crises erodes public confidence and undermines efforts to tackle insecurity nationwide.
Meanwhile, the scale of the Kajuru abduction continues to generate alarm. The village head of Kurmin Wali community, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, earlier raised concerns over the safety of 177 Christian worshippers reportedly abducted by bandits.
Speaking to PUNCH via telephone, the traditional ruler disclosed that the kidnappers were sighted on Thursday morning moving with their captives along the Maro axis of Kajuru Local Government Area.
According to Dan’azumi, the abductors and their victims were seen trekking on foot between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities, though their destination remained unclear.
He also revealed that the bandits had earlier contacted the community, issuing threats and accusing residents of inviting soldiers into the area.
“They said we were claiming to have ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence,” he said. “We explained that we did not invite the soldiers and that we have nobody backing us. After that, they ended the call, and we have not heard from them again.”
Residents later received intelligence that the kidnappers and their captives were moving through bush paths linking Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities, further heightening fears over the fate of the abducted worshippers.
Security agencies are yet to provide detailed updates on rescue efforts as of the time of filing this report.
