Nigerian authorities have now confirmed that simultaneous attacks on multiple churches in Kaduna State did occur over the weekend, reversing earlier denials despite mounting evidence from residents, rights groups, and local leaders.
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said new intelligence and field reports had verified the incident, marking a significant shift from the government’s earlier stance that dismissed the reports as unfounded.
177 worshippers abducted, 168 still missing
State lawmaker Usman Danlami Stingo reported that 177 people were abducted during the Sunday attacks in the Kurmin Wali community. Eleven escapees have been confirmed, leaving 168 still unaccounted for, according to both the lawmaker and residents who spoke to the Associated Press.
The attacks targeting at least two to three churches during services were described as highly coordinated. Armed men stormed the churches around 11:25 a.m., blocking exits and herding worshippers into the surrounding forest.
A community head, Ishaku Dan’azumi, told Associated Press that survivors witnessed the attacks firsthand and accused authorities of downplaying the reality on the ground.
Earlier Police denial and subsequent public outrage
On Monday, Kaduna State Police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu dismissed media reports as “rumors,” saying officers found “no evidence of the attack” during a visit to one of the churches in Kajuru district.
He argued the reports were politically motivated attempts to sabotage perceived improvements in regional security.
The police later explained that Rabiu’s comments were intended to “prevent unnecessary panic” while facts were still being verified—though local communities and advocacy groups have accused security forces of suppressing the truth.
Rights groups and religious leaders confirm attacks
Despite initial government skepticism, several independent groups corroborated the accounts of residents:
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSWN) confirmed the attacks and reported that military officers blocked their team from accessing the sites, citing a “standing order.”
The Chikun/Kajuru Active Citizens Congress (CKACC) published a list of hostages, although the Associated Press was unable to independently verify it.
Rights group Amnesty International condemned the authorities’ “desperate denial,” accusing the government of failing to address years of mass atrocities by armed groups.
The situation has drawn international attention with U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker urged Nigeria to do more to protect Christian communities during a U.S–Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja.
