The ADC said the episode raises “a fundamental and dangerous question for our country,” asking: “can a government whose first instinct is to withhold information and hide the truth be trusted to protect lives and improve security?”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Kaduna State government and the Nigeria Police Force of attempting to conceal the mass abduction of Nigerians from a church in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, saying the conduct of the authorities showed a troubling disregard for truth and public safety.
In a statement by its National Spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said it “expresses grave concern over the attempt by the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to cover up the mass abduction of Nigerians in a church in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” an incident it noted was “later confirmed by the same authorities after public outcry.”
The ADC said the episode raises “a fundamental and dangerous question for our country,” asking: “can a government whose first instinct is to withhold information and hide the truth be trusted to protect lives and improve security?”
Rejecting any explanation that the initial denial was accidental, the party stated that “the deliberate denial of a verified mass abduction is not a communications error,” describing it as “the behaviour of a government obsessed with looking good rather than solving problems.”
According to the party, honesty during security emergencies is critical, stressing that “in moments of violence and emergency, truth is the first line of defence,” as it “guides response, enables rescue, mobilises communities, and reassures a frightened public.”
The ADC warned that when authorities choose “silence or falsehood,” such actions “compound danger, delay action, and deepen trauma,” worsening the impact of violent incidents on victims and communities.
It further argued that the consequences of misinformation during a crisis are severe, declaring that “a government that lies during a security crisis does not merely fail its people; it actively places them at further risk.”
The party urged greater transparency and accountability in the handling of security incidents, insisting that withholding the truth during crises undermines public trust and weakens efforts to address insecurity.
Recall that the village head of Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi raised alarm over the safety of 177 Christian worshippers abducted by bandits.
The traditional ruler revealed that the captors were sighted moving with their victims on Thursday morning along the Maro axis of the council area.
Dan’azumi told PUNCH in a telephone interview that the abductors and their captives were seen trekking on foot between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities, although their ultimate destination remained unknown.
“They called us yesterday evening and threatened the community, accusing us of bringing soldiers. They said we were claiming to have ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence,” the traditional ruler said.
“We explained to them that we don’t have anybody and that we did not invite the soldiers. After that conversation, they ended the call, and we have not heard from them again.”
He added that residents later received information early Thursday that the abductors and their captives had been spotted moving through bush paths between Ungwan Gamu and Maro.