The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, has criticised the initial denial by security authorities over the abduction of worshippers from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, calling on the government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore public confidence, Dip Connect Online News reports.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab said engagements with security agencies had confirmed that the abduction indeed occurred.
“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 any debate about it,” he said.
He added that while the incident may not have been immediately acknowledged publicly, it was confirmed to Christian leaders by security authorities.
“If they have not acknowledged it publicly, they have acknowledged it to us as Christian leaders. They have given us the assurance that they will go after them,” Hayab stated.
Conflicting reports had initially trailed the incident, with local sources alleging that three churches were attacked and several worshippers abducted. However, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, had initially said security operatives found no evidence of an attack at the time.
Subsequent briefings from national-level operational units and intelligence sources later confirmed that an abduction took place in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area. This development led to the deployment of tactical units and coordinated search-and-rescue operations in the area.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, consequently ordered the full deployment of operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring communities as part of efforts to rescue the victims, restore calm and protect lives and property.
Hayab explained that CAN relied on its extensive grassroots network to gather credible information about the incident.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is highly connected. We operate from the national level to the regions, the states, the local governments and down to the ward level. Our communication system makes it easy for us to know when, where and how things happen,” he said.
He disclosed that he received the first alert at about 2:56pm on Sunday, even though the Kaduna State CAN chairman was outside the country at the time.
“The message came to my phone saying that an unverified number of worshippers were taken from churches in Cherebun and Serebun I and II, sometimes referred to as Bishara, Haske, and a nearby ECWA church,” Hayab said.
He added that a subsequent message indicated that gunmen shut down the churches, lined up the worshippers and marched them into the bush.
According to him, fear and displacement within the community initially made it difficult to verify details of the incident.
“Because of fear at the time, nobody could immediately verify who and how many were taken. That was why we were careful with the numbers,” he explained.
The situation escalated after the incident was widely reported in the media, prompting intense public attention. Hayab noted that one of the pastors shared the incident on social media because it actually occurred, which led to widespread inquiries.
“When that happened, calls were coming from everywhere asking questions. We were not ready to speak at first because we wanted to be sure,” he said.
While various figures, including claims that as many as 163 people were abducted, circulated publicly, Hayab stressed that CAN did not intend to sensationalise the situation.
“A lot of people were kidnapped, that is the truth. Some escaped and returned, which affected the numbers. What we told the government is that we should not debate figures endlessly. Let us focus on the reality that people were taken in significant numbers,” he said.
Hayab also expressed displeasure over the initial denial by security agencies, describing it as deeply unfortunate.
“The moment the incident happened, security agencies were informed. That is why we were worried and angry. How could they later come out to deny it? That denial was the most unfortunate statement,” he said.
He sympathised with Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, noting that the governor may have acted on inaccurate information.
“I sympathise with Governor Uba Sani, who is working hard, only to receive wrong information,” Hayab added.
He explained that CAN was compelled to respond publicly due to the sensitive nature of the issue and the impact of the denial on affected families.
“This became a test of integrity and honesty. Imagine the families of those kidnapped hearing someone say it never happened,” he said.
Hayab called on the authorities to act decisively, stressing that the priority should be the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
“A good number of people were taken. What we are simply asking for is: get our people back. If security agencies had acknowledged it and said, ‘We will go after them,’ Nigerians would have applauded. People want assurance and action,” he said.
He described the attackers as terrorists, citing intelligence reports of planned attacks on Christians in parts of Niger, Kogi, Kwara and other vulnerable states.
“Terrorists are out to torment this country and create confusion. The President has said that any group that takes up arms against Nigeria is a terrorist group. I align with that position and describe those who took worshippers from the church as terrorists,” Hayab said.
He concluded by calling for national unity in addressing insecurity across the country.
“We do not want Christian communities to be safe while others are not. If my neighbour is not safe, then I am not safe. We must build trust, carry citizens along and correct lapses. That is how Nigeria will become safe,” he said.
Elijah Adeyemi
