THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently rescue worshippers abducted from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while criticising initial denials by security authorities over the incident.
The Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, made the call during an interview with newsmen yesterday, saying engagements with security agencies had confirmed that worshippers were taken from their churches.
Hayab said security authorities initially disputed reports of the abduction but later acknowledged the incident in discussions with Christian leaders.
According to him, assurances had been given that efforts were underway to rescue the victims.
Confusion had earlier trailed the incident following conflicting accounts.
While local sources reported that gunmen attacked three churches and abducted dozens of worshippers, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, initially said there was no evidence of an attack.
However, intelligence and operational reports at the national level later confirmed that an abduction occurred in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru, prompting the deployment of tactical units to the area.
Following the confirmation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the full deployment of operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring communities to rescue the victims and restore calm.
Hayab said CAN relied on its grassroots network across northern Nigeria to verify the incident, noting that information began filtering in shortly after the attack.
He explained that initial difficulty in confirming details was due to fear and displacement within the affected communities.
He added that reports indicated gunmen invaded churches in Cherebun and Serebun I and II, as well as a nearby ECWA church, where worshippers were reportedly lined up and forced into the bush.
He said some victims later escaped, which contributed to uncertainty over the exact number abducted.
The CAN chairman expressed anger over what he described as an “unfortunate” denial by security agencies, stressing that such responses erode public trust and deepen the trauma of affected families.
He said the association chose to speak out publicly after the incident gained media attention, noting that silence would have been unfair to the families of the victims.
Calling for swift action, Hayab urged authorities to focus on rescuing those abducted rather than disputing figures.
He said Nigerians were more concerned about concrete action and reassurance than official denials.
He described the attackers as terrorists and warned of credible intelligence suggesting planned attacks on Christian communities in several states, including Niger, Kogi and Kwara.
He also called for national unity in addressing insecurity, stressing that safety must be collective and inclusive.
According to him, restoring public confidence requires transparency, accountability and decisive action by security agencies to protect lives and prevent further attacks.