The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently rescue worshippers abducted from churches in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking on ARISE News, the Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, criticised the initial denial of the incident by security authorities, describing it as unfortunate and damaging to public trust.
He confirmed that security agencies later acknowledged to Christian leaders that worshippers were indeed abducted during church services.
According to Hayab, gunmen attacked churches in communities including Cherebun and Serebun (Bishara/Haske axis), reportedly shutting church buildings, lining up worshippers, and marching many into the bush.
While exact numbers remain unclear due to fear, displacement, and some victims escaping, CAN insists that “a good number of people” were taken.
Following conflicting reports, national security and intelligence sources later confirmed the abduction in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru, prompting the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to deploy tactical units and intelligence assets to the area for search-and-rescue operations.
Hayab stressed that CAN relied on its grassroots network for early alerts and verification, noting that families of victims were deeply hurt by official denials.
He urged authorities to prioritise action over debates about numbers, saying Nigerians want reassurance and results.
Describing the attackers as terrorists, Hayab warned of credible intelligence pointing to planned attacks on Christian communities in several states.
He called for national unity in tackling insecurity, emphasising that safety for one group must mean safety for all.
CAN has appealed for swift, transparent action to rescue the abducted worshippers and restore confidence in the nation’s security system.
