172 Kidnapped in Kaduna: Rights Group Accuses Soldiers of Restricting Access to Community -

A human rights organisation, Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N), has reiterated claims that over 100 worshippers were abducted by suspected bandits during coordinated attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, despite denials by security agencies and local officials.

According to CSW-N, the incident occurred on Sunday when armed attackers stormed three churches in Kurmin Wali during worship services, forcibly abducting more than 100 congregants into nearby bushes.

However, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Rabiu, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, rejected the claims, describing them as false and the work of “conflict entrepreneurs.”

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday at the Government House in Kaduna, both officials challenged those making the allegations to provide verifiable details, including the names of the alleged victims.

Madaki said he personally accompanied security personnel to Kurmin Wali after hearing of the reports but found no evidence of any attack. He added that the churches showed no signs of violence, while traditional rulers and youth leaders in the community also denied that any abduction had taken place.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday, CSW-N’s Research and Press Officer, Reuben Buhari, countered the official position, insisting that the abductions did occur and accusing security operatives of obstructing independent investigations.

The organisation claimed that its fact-finding team was denied access to Kurmin Wali by soldiers, despite presenting valid identification. CSW-N said the team was delayed for about an hour before reaching Makyali village and proceeding toward Kurmin Wali through an unmarked road.

The statement further alleged that as the team approached the community, it encountered a military convoy, which included the Kajuru council chairman, leaving Kurmin Wali. The soldiers reportedly refused to allow the team to enter the area, citing standing orders, and escorted them back to the main road leading to Kaduna.

CSW-N said information from community sources indicated that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and on foot, split into three groups, and launched simultaneous attacks on the churches.

The group added that while elderly women and young children were later released, worshippers were forced into the bush. It also claimed that 11 individuals managed to escape, while about 167 people were still being held captive at the time it contacted local sources.

Describing the alleged mass abduction as alarming, CSW-N accused both the Kaduna State and Federal Governments of failing to adequately protect rural communities from repeated attacks.