Kajuru Mass Abduction: Why Govt., Police Command Initially Lied To The Public – FHQ

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Police authorities on Wednesday January 21, 2026, finally confirmed the abduction of several Christian worshipers in the Kajuru Local Council of Kaduna State.

The Source reports that locals from Kurmi Wali community in Kajuru local Government had, on Sunday, January 18, 2026, reported the kidnap of over 170 worshipers by armed banditry elements.

But their claims were roundly denied by both the Kaduna State Government and Kaduna State Police Command, both of which insisted that there was no such incident in the area.

Specifically, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammadu Rabiu, at a media briefing described the claims as not only false but a mischievous attempt to undermine the fragile peace of the state.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, while confirming the incident , attributed the earlier denials by the Kaduna State police Command on the need to avoid flaring tempers ,and  creating unnecessary panic among the populace.

According to him, the Kaduna State Government’s initial rejection of the mass abduction claims was informed by the position of some local leaders of the affected area  disputing  the development.

“Some individuals from the affected areas also disputed the earlier police reports thus creating uncertainty and reinforcing the need for caution and thorough verification by the police and other security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter .

” In this context , comments made by the Kaduna CP during a media briefing were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed.

“Those remarks ,which have since been widely misinterpreted were not a denial of the incident ,but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field , including the identities and number of those affected,” Hundeyin stated .

This is as he informed that the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed the deployment of operatives and equipment to the Kajuru local council ,and adjourning communities to enhance security.

The deployment exercise which also involves operatives of the tactical unit, is primarily targeted at intensifying patrols, search-and-rescue operations ,as well as beefing up security.

The Source further reports that amidst the initial denial by the Government and police authorities, both the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN ,and then affected communities had insisted that there were indeed mass abductions.