Rights group accuses soldiers of blocking access to Kaduna community after church abductions

Kaduna map

Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N) has insisted that over 100 worshippers were abducted by suspected bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna, despite denials by the police and local authorities.

On Sunday, assailants in large numbers attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru LGA of the state, abducting more than 100 worshippers during Sunday services.

However, Mohammed Rabiu, Kaduna state commissioner of police, and Dauda Madaki, chairman of Kajuru LGA, dismissed the reports as “falsehoods” being spread by “conflict entrepreneurs”.Speaking at a press conference on Monday at the government house in Kaduna, Rabiu and Madaki challenged those making the allegations to provide names and details of the alleged victims.

Madaki said he personally led security operatives to Kurmin Wali after hearing rumours of the attack but found no evidence of any incident.

According to him, the churches where the abductions were said to have taken place showed no signs of violence, while traditional and youth leaders in the area also denied that any attack occurred.

But in a statement issued on Tuesday, Reuben Buhari, CSW-N research and press officer, said the abductions did take place and accused security operatives of obstructing efforts to independently verify the incident.