The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the Federal Government, the Kaduna State Police Command, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area over what it described as a “shameful” denial of the reported abduction of about 163 church worshippers in Kajuru community, Kaduna State.
In a statement dated January 21, 2026, and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the opposition party accused authorities of attempting to downplay and conceal a grave security incident.
The PDP faulted the silence of the Federal Government and the initial denial by the Kaduna State Police and the Kajuru Local Government Chairman, describing it as a dangerous trend that normalises insecurity and deliberately withholds the truth from Nigerians.
According to the party, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed early reports of the mass abduction as false and attributed them to mischief-makers and so-called “conflict entrepreneurs.” The PDP said he went further to demand details of the victims, while the Kajuru Local Government Chairman also denied that any kidnapping had taken place within his jurisdiction.
Describing the response of the authorities as insensitive and irresponsible, the PDP said the denials were not only hurtful but also revealed the lack of seriousness with which the administration treats security matters.
The party alleged that security agencies were alerted shortly after the incident but failed to take prompt action, choosing instead to prioritise the government’s image over the lives of the affected citizens.
The PDP also criticised the continued silence of officials even after the police reportedly acknowledged the incident following the release of victims’ names by local residents and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Calling the episode a “public betrayal and a failed cover-up,” the party demanded an immediate public apology from the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area for their initial denial and failure to act.
It further urged the Federal Government to urgently deploy a high-powered security team to locate, rescue, and safely return the abducted worshippers to their families.
The PDP concluded by warning against what it described as image-driven governance, stressing that governance should focus on solving problems rather than managing public perception. It noted that many families were still waiting for answers and action, not excuses.
The incident had earlier sparked public outrage after the police initially denied the kidnapping, only to later reverse their position and confirm that the abduction had indeed occurred.
