The Kaduna State Government’s initial denial of the reported kidnapping of Christian worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area was allegedly motivated by fears of attracting United States attention and preserving the state’s fragile peace narrative, according to multiple security and government sources.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that bandits attacked several churches in the Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru on Sunday, abducting over 100 worshippers during church services.

The Chairman of the 19 Northern States chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Hayab, later confirmed the incident, stating that 172 worshippers were initially abducted. He added that some later returned, leaving 163 still in captivity.

However, the Kaduna State Government subsequently denied the claims. In a briefing after a security meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, alongside the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Dauda Madaki, dismissed reports that any worshippers were kidnapped during services in three churches in the area.

The conflicting accounts have raised concerns about transparency and the true scale of insecurity in Kajuru, as calls grow for clearer information and stronger action to secure the release of those reportedly still held.