CAN Blames Security Agents For Christians Mass Abduction In Kaduna

By Ayodele Oni

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the FCT, Rev. Dr. Joseph Hayab, has accused security agents of failing to act decisively on the reported attack on churches in Kaduna state

He argued that a swift pursuit could have prevented the bandits from escaping with such a large number of victims.

Reacting amid official denials and growing public confusion, CAN leader insisted that the reported attack on churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State did happen, describing it as a painful incident.

The Chairman confirmed that he got to know about the incident through internal networks long before it reached the media.

Speaking from his long experience within CAN’s leadership structure, the northern regional chairman explained that the organisation operates a deeply connected communication system, stretching from the national level down to grassroots communities.

“This structure makes it difficult for incidents of this magnitude to go unnoticed or be fabricated.”

He disclosed that the first alert reached him at exactly 2:56 p.m. on Sunday, shortly after the attack.

“The message reported that armed men had invaded worship centres—specifically Cherubim and Seraphim Church One, Cherubim and Seraphim Church Two (also known locally as Bishara and Husky Cherubim and Seraphim)—and marched worshippers into the bush.

“At the time, the exact number of those taken was unclear, largely because fear had gripped the community and immediate verification was impossible.

“The situation was made more complex by the absence of some local CAN leaders, including the Kaduna State chairman, who was out of the country when the incident occurred. Still, information continued to flow through established channels.

“By Monday, reports had already surfaced on social media. As calls poured in from journalists and concerned Nigerians, CAN leaders chose caution.

“They delayed public statements, not out of denial, but to avoid spreading unverified figures and to prevent panic—especially at a time when there had been positive security developments in Kaduna, including the rescue of kidnapped clergy and the release of relatives of a slain priest.

“When numbers ranging as high as 100 abducted persons began circulating, CAN pushed back against what it described as exaggerations.

“The focus, should not be on conflicting figures, but on the undeniable fact that worshippers were attacked and some taken. They also noted that several victims escaped and returned, which naturally affected early estimates.

“CAN maintained that security agencies were informed immediately after the incident, expressing concern over later official statements suggesting that nothing had happened.”

According to him, such claims only deepened confusion and inflicted further emotional pain on affected families.

“Addressing the contradiction between their account and that of security agencies, the CAN leader stopped short of accusing authorities of deliberate cover-ups, instead suggesting miscommunication or errors within the system.”

He emphasised the importance of careful language, noting that while mistakes can be corrected through dialogue, damaging trust between citizens and security agencies would only worsen an already fragile situation.

He revealed that engagements with security agencies and senior officials have since led to a shared understanding: the incident did occur, and innocent worshippers were taken during church services.

Assurances were also given that efforts would be made to pursue those responsible.

He questioned how families of abducted persons would feel hearing official denials while their loved ones were missing.

Looking beyond Kajuru, the CAN leader warned of broader security threats, citing intelligence about planned attacks on Christian communities in other states, including Niger, Kogi and Kwara.

Hayab argued that downplaying such violence as mere “banditry” undermines its seriousness, especially when armed groups openly terrorise civilians.

While acknowledging concerns that incidents like this could attract international attention, Hayab framed it as an opportunity for Nigeria to correct narratives through transparency and decisive action.

“If one community is unsafe, no one is truly safe,” the CAN leader said, calling for trust, honest communication and genuine cooperation between citizens and security agencies as the only path to lasting peace.