The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government for what it described as a “stone silence” and initial denials surrounding the mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, urging urgent rescue efforts and transparent reporting.
The opposition party’s statement came after reports that armed men seized a large number of churchgoers widely reported to be more than 170 — after a service in mid-January. Security agencies and government authorities initially downplayed or denied the occurrence, but confirmation followed only after public outcry and media coverage.
In its criticism, the ADC described the initial denials as evidence of a government more concerned with managing public image than protecting citizens, and said the federal government’s lack of immediate engagement signalled fatigue rather than commitment to addressing insecurity.
The party demanded that all abducted persons be safely rescued and returned to their families, and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances of both the kidnapping and the initial government response. It also urged authorities to lift restrictions on media and civil society access to affected areas and to fully disclose any negotiations or arrangements made with armed groups.
The ADC’s intervention adds to growing public concern including from other political figures and civil society groups about insecurity in Kaduna and across Nigeria, and underscores intense scrutiny of how authorities communicate and respond to major security incidents.
