Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has criticized initial denials by security authorities regarding the abduction of worshipers from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, urging the government to rescue the victims and restore public confidence.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Hayab said discussions with security authorities confirmed that “innocent Nigerians were taken away from their church.”
“Over an hour ago, we were all on the same page. This unfortunate incident happened. Innocent Nigerians were taken away from their church. There is no longer debate about it, ” he said.
He added, “If they have not acknowledged it publicly, they have acknowledged it to us as Christian leaders. They have given us a promise that they will go after them.”
Conflicting reports initially surrounded the abduction. Local sources said three churches were attacked and dozens of worshipers kidnapped, while Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Rabiu, stated that troops found no evidence of an attack at the time.
Subsequent reports from operational units and intelligence sources at the national level confirmed that an abduction did take place in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru.
This prompted the deployment of tactical units and coordinated search-and-rescue operations. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the full deployment of operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities as part of efforts to restore calm and protect lives.
Hayab said CAN had relied on its extensive grassroots network to gather information about the incident.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria is highly connected. We operate from the national level to the region, the states, the local governments and down to the ward level. Our system of communication is such that we do not have difficulty knowing when, where and how things happen.”
He said he received the first alert at 2:56pm on Sunday, even though the Kaduna State CAN chairman was out of the country.
“The message came to my phone telling me that unverified numbers of worshipers were taken from churches in Cherebun and Serebun I and II, sometimes called Bishara, Haske, and a nearby ECWA church,” he said.
“They later sent another message to say that gunmen shut the entire church, lined the worshipers up and marched them into the bush.”
Hayab noted that fear and displacement in the community initially made verification difficult.
“Because of fear at the time, nobody could immediately verify who and how many were taken. That was why we were careful with numbers,” he said.
The situation escalated after media reports, with Sahara Reporters breaking the story publicly. Hayab noted, “One of our pastors posted it on Facebook because it actually happened. When that broke, calls were coming from everywhere asking questions. We were not ready to speak because we wanted to be sure.”
While some figures, including claims that 163 people were abducted, circulated publicly, Hayab emphasized that CAN never intended to sensationalize the incident.
“A lot of people were kidnapped, that is the truth. Some escaped and returned, which affected the numbers. What we told the government is: let us not debate too much about numbers. Let us focus on the fact that people were taken in good numbers.”
The CAN president expressed anger over the initial denial by security agencies.
“The moment the incident happened, security agencies were informed. That is why we were worried and angry, how could they later come out to deny it? That denial was the most unfortunate statement,” he said.
“I sympathize with Governor Uba Sani, who is working hard, only to receive wrong information.”
He stressed that sensitive issues “must not be treated with kid gloves,” which is why CAN responded publicly.
“When Sahara Reporters went public, we were boxed in. Everybody was asking us questions. This became a test of integrity and honesty. Imagine the families of those kidnapped hearing someone say it never happened.”
Hayab called on the authorities to act promptly. “A good number of people were taken. What we are simply calling for is: get our people back. If security agencies had simply acknowledged it and said, ‘We will go after them,’ Nigerians would have applauded. Nigerians just want assurance — and action.”
He described the perpetrators as terrorists, citing credible intelligence of planned attacks targeting Christians in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, and other vulnerable states.
“Terrorists are out to torment this country and create confusion. Differentiating bandits from terrorists sometimes confuses Nigerians. The President himself has said that any group that takes arms against Nigeria is a terrorist group. So I align with my President and call those who took worshipers from church terrorists,” he said.
Hayab also urged national unity in tackling insecurity. “We don’t want Christian communities safe while others are not. If my neighbor is not safe, I am not safe. We must win the trust of citizens, carry them along, and correct lapses. That is how Nigeria will be safe,” he said.
