By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force of attempting to conceal the mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the episode as a dangerous reflection of government’s obsession with image management rather than public safety.
Recall that 177 christian worshippers were last Sunday in Kurmin Wali abducted by terrorists from three churches. Initially the police denied the incidence and challenged residence to provide evidence of such occurrence. Non- governmental organisations and journalists were barred from accessing the affected community.
However the police retracted their earlier statement when the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN) provided a comprehensive list of the names of victims.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the initial denial of the abduction, which was later confirmed after public pressure, raised serious concerns about the government’s approach to security and transparency.
The ADC said the deliberate withholding of information during a security crisis undermines public trust and hampers effective response efforts. According to the party, truth is essential in moments of emergency because it enables timely rescue operations, mobilises communities and reassures citizens.
The opposition party also criticised what it described as restrictions placed on journalists, civil society organisations and independent observers from accessing the affected communities, questioning the motive behind such actions.
“This incident exposes the contradiction in the so-called peace approach in Kaduna State,” the ADC said, noting that while authorities were quick to deny reports of abduction to project a picture of calm, senior government officials had openly acknowledged negotiations and concessions to criminal groups.
The party warned that such an approach may deliver short-term calm but ultimately emboldens criminals and leaves citizens exposed to further attacks.
ADC further faulted the Federal Government for what it termed a “stone silence” over the abduction of Christian worshippers, saying the lack of response suggested fatigue and an unwillingness to confront the reality of persistent insecurity across the country.
The party called for immediate and transparent rescue efforts for all abducted persons in Kurmin Wali and other parts of Kaduna State. It also demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initial denial of the incident, including the roles played by government and security officials.
In addition, the ADC urged authorities to lift all restrictions on media and civil society access to conflict-affected areas and called on the Kaduna State Government to fully disclose any negotiations or agreements entered into with armed groups, including their legal basis and oversight mechanisms.
“No Nigerian should have to beg the government to acknowledge their suffering,” the party said, reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Kaduna State and calling on authorities to place honesty, accountability and the protection of lives at the centre of governance.
