The calls followed widespread outrage over the initial denial of the mass abduction by the Kaduna State Police Command and the state government, despite confirmation later by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, that the incident did take place.
At least 177 worshippers were reportedly abducted when armed bandits attacked three churches in the community during a night raid, forcing victims into the forest at gunpoint.
Initial Denial Sparks National Outrage
The incident triggered anger across the country after the Kaduna State Police Command, the state government and the chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area initially denied that any abduction had taken place.
The denials were later contradicted by the Inspector-General of Police, who confirmed that a mass abduction had indeed occurred and ordered the deployment of security and intelligence assets to the affected area.
The reversal intensified public criticism, with several groups accusing the authorities of attempting to suppress the truth.
ACF Condemns Handling of the Incident
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the handling of the incident by authorities as disappointing and poorly managed.
Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, the group said the abduction could not have happened at a worse time, given the intense national and international attention on Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
“ACF is profoundly saddened by this development. The initial denial of the incident reflects a messy public communication approach. Security agencies should have responded with thorough and evidence-based communication,” Baba said.
He stressed that the incident raised troubling questions and warned that anything short of decisive and transparent action would be unacceptable.
CAN Demands Immediate and Unconditional Release
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also faulted the initial police response, describing it as careless and damaging to public trust.
In a statement, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the dismissal of early reports generated confusion, heightened fear and unfairly questioned the credibility of victims, clergy and eyewitnesses.
“Public dismissal of reports about this incident before thorough verification was deeply troubling. Human lives were involved, and caution must not be communicated in a way that suggests denial or indifference,” he said.
He called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted worshippers and urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts.
SOKAPU Commends Governor’s Intervention
The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) described the abduction as a deeply sad development but commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for what it described as proactive engagement with security agencies.
SOKAPU President, Samuel Tabara, said despite conflicting reports, the governor mobilised relevant security agencies to respond to the situation.
He urged authorities to ensure the immediate rescue of the victims.
PFN Condemns the Attack
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) condemned the abduction, describing it as an act of violence and a direct attack on innocent worshippers.
PFN National Publicity Secretary, Dr Sylvanus Ukafia, said the Christian body was deeply saddened by the incident and called for urgent action.
“We condemn this act of violence and call for the immediate release of all abducted individuals. We urge the government to take urgent action to rescue the worshippers and ensure the safety of all citizens,” he said.
ADA Accuses Officials of Suppressing the Truth
The Adara Development Association (ADA), the local community group in the area, accused security officials and local government authorities of suppressing the truth about the incident.
In a statement signed by its president, Chief Sebastine Barde, the group said 50 worshippers were abducted from Cherubim and Seraphim Church I, 92 from Cherubim and Seraphim Church II, and 24 from ECWA.
The association alleged that victims were taken at gunpoint and marched into the forest, while efforts to alert security agencies yielded no immediate rescue operation.
ADA accused the Commissioner of Police and the Kajuru council chairman of deliberately downplaying and denying the incident after visiting the community.
ECWA Confirms Abduction of Members
The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), one of the churches attacked, confirmed that its members were among those abducted.
The church’s Public Relations Officer, Danjuma Auta, said the leadership was aware of the incident and was collating details.
He called on government to urgently secure the release of the worshippers.
Middle Belt Forum Raises Alarm Over Insecurity
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) described the Kurmin Wali abduction as a reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
MBF President, Dr Bitrus Pogu, criticised what he described as persistent denial of kidnappings and killings across the country.
He said security agencies already possess intelligence and surveillance capabilities that should prevent such attacks.
“We have enough intelligence equipment to track these terrorists. These kidnappings should not be happening,” he said.
Governor Uba Sani Visits Community
Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali community and assured residents that the state government was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
He said the protection of lives and property remained a top priority of his administration.
“In Kaduna State, every life matters. We are collaborating with all security agencies to ensure that those abducted return home safely,” the governor said.
He added that the state government would bear the cost of medical treatment for residents injured during the attack.
Presidency Rejects Religious Framing of Insecurity
The Presidency dismissed claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is driven by religious targeting, insisting that violence affects Nigerians of all faiths.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Chieftaincy Matters, Abba Tijjani Hashim, said insecurity should not be framed as a religious war.
“What’s important now is togetherness. We should not go with stories that divide us. Insecurity affects Muslims and Christians alike,” he said.
A Nation Waiting for Answers
As families await the return of their loved ones, pressure continues to mount on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly and decisively.
For many Nigerians, the Kurmin Wali abduction has become another painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger security, better intelligence coordination and transparent communication.
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