In a deeply alarming development that has captured national and international attention, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has publicly stated that up to 177 Christians were kidnapped in Kaduna State over the weekend — a claim that has sparked both outrage and controversy due to contradictory responses from official state authorities.
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📍 Kaduna Kidnapping Report: What We Know So Far
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, coordinated attacks by armed gunmen — reportedly “bandits,” according to local leaders — targeted worshippers in multiple church services across Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The Christians were allegedly seized from at least three separate church locations during worship, with some sources citing multiple denominations, including Evangelical and Cherubim and Seraphim congregations.
Rev. Joseph John Hayab, speaking to journalists and church leaders, said the attackers “came in numbers, blocked the entrances of the churches, and forced worshippers into the bush.” He stated that the initial figure was 172 persons abducted, with about nine who managed to escape early on, leaving 163 still in captivity.
Another local leader and lawmaker, Usman Danlami Stingo, corroborated the scale of the incident, saying 177 worshippers had been taken, with 11 escaping and 168 remaining missing.
These reported figures have been widely publicized by news agencies and local media, bringing global focus to an issue that has long plagued northern and central Nigeria — the mass abduction of civilians during religious services or in their communities.
🔥 Conflicting Narratives — Authorities Push Back
Despite these alarming claims, Kaduna State government officials and the Nigeria Police have outright denied that any mass kidnapping occurred.
According to the Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, extensive investigations revealed no physical evidence or trace of such an attack at the reported sites. He described the entire episode as a “fabrication” and challenged anyone to provide the names and details of alleged victims.
Local government officials in Kajuru have echoed this denial, asserting that security forces visited the churches and found no trace of a mass abduction or attack. They have insisted that rumors are being spread to destabilize the region’s peace, which they claim is stable under current administration efforts.
This stark contrast between church leadership and government sources has fueled debate, public skepticism, and widespread concern among Nigerian citizens — especially Christian communities who face frequent attacks by criminal syndicates and extremist elements.
📉 Why the Discrepancy Matters
🔹 Security and Public Trust
The gravity of a potential mass kidnapping at places of worship — institutions traditionally regarded as safe sanctuaries — is enormous. If proven true, it would further underscore severe security vulnerabilities in rural Nigeria and raise serious questions about the capacity of the government to protect its citizens.
🔹 Religious Tensions and National Discourse
Nigeria’s population is nearly evenly split between Muslims and Christians, leading to ongoing sensitivities around perceived or real religious targeting. Attacks on Christians in the north have often reignited speculation about systemic bias or religious persecution — claims the government continues to deny.
🔹 International Attention and Pressure
The United States government and several international advocacy groups have previously criticized Nigeria over attacks on Christian communities, prompting diplomatic pressure on Abuja to improve security protections for all religions.
📌 Historical Background: Kidnapping Crisis in Nigeria
Kidnappings have become an increasingly regular feature of life in many parts of Nigeria, especially in the northwest and middle belt regions. Armed criminal gangs — colloquially known as “bandits” — frequently attack schools, villages, and places of worship for ransom or leverage.
Significant mass kidnappings in recent history include the abduction of more than 300 schoolchildren in Niger State in late 2025, which sparked widespread outrage and significant government and community mobilization for their release.
🧠 What This Means For Nigeria’s Future
The divergence between the claims by church bodies like CAN and official government statements presents a troubling scenario for Nigeria:
Religious communities fear inadequate protection, especially during worship services.
Government credibility may erode if significant incidents are publicly disputed, especially in the absence of transparent verification.
Security forces are under pressure to provide clear evidence or clarifications to quell misinformation and reassure Nigerian citizens.
📣 Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Action
No matter which narrative holds the most truth, the reported events have intensified scrutiny on security issues in Kaduna and across Nigeria’s troubled regions. Whether 163, 168, or 177 Christians were abducted — or whether the event was misreported — the conversation now demands urgent transparency from all sides, coordinated rescue efforts, and greater protections for vulnerable communities.
The world is watching, and Nigerian citizens — regardless of faith — deserve accurate information, accountability, and safety.
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