latest
Why Kaduna Govt Initially Denied Kidnapping Of Over 100 Christians – Sources.
Multiple security and government insiders have disclosed that the Kaduna State Government’s initial denial of the reported abduction of Christian worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area was influenced by fears of attracting United States attention and safeguarding the state’s fragile peace narrative.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Bandits had reportedly attacked several churches in the Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru on Sunday, abducting over 100 worshippers during church services.
Subsequently, the Chairman of the 19 Northern States chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Joseph Hayab, confirmed that 172 worshippers were taken, with some later escaping or returning, leaving about 163 persons still in captivity.
Govt Dismissed CAN’s Claims
Following CAN’s confirmation, the Kaduna State Government publicly denied that any abduction took place, insisting that no worshippers were kidnapped.
The denial came after a security meeting and was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki.
Rabiu described the reports as false, alleging they were being spread by conflict entrepreneurs bent on destabilising the state.
However, multiple sources said the denial was a calculated attempt to reduce publicity around the incident.
“One major concern was avoiding international attention, particularly from Washington, given the current posture of the U.S. administration on Nigeria’s internal security issues,” a source familiar with the discussions said. “There was a deliberate effort to manage the optics.”
Another source linked the denial to political considerations tied to Governor Uba Sani’s re-election ambitions and the state’s now-strained peace arrangement with armed groups.
“The abduction contradicted the government’s peace narrative,” the source said. “Admitting it would have exposed cracks in that model, so denial became the immediate response.”
Sources also alleged that the state had quietly sought to control media narratives around insecurity.
“There has been pressure to preserve the image of the peace framework,” one source said. “As a result, violent attacks by bandits and extremist elements have often been downplayed.”
Police Headquarters Intervenes
Senior officers at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja were reportedly unhappy with how the incident was initially handled by the Kaduna State Police Command.
A senior police source disclosed that the denial was not the outcome of a collective decision by the State Security Council.
“From what we gathered, it was not a unanimous position of the council,” the officer said. “It was a directive from the Governor and his team to key officials to counter CAN’s confirmation, for strategic reasons.”
The source noted that the sequence of events raised concerns.
“After the same security meeting, the Governor issued general security updates on social media but avoided any reference to the specific kidnapping,” the officer said. “That suggested something was being carefully managed.”
The officer added that interviews confirming the abduction had already circulated before the state’s denial.
“Yet suddenly, officials were instructed to say no one was kidnapped,” he said.
According to the source, police headquarters insisted that the Commissioner of Police visit the affected communities, a move that eventually led to an official confirmation of the abduction by Force Headquarters.
“We observed clear irregularities, which is why the intervention became necessary,” the officer said.
Quiet Efforts To Secure Release
Despite the public denial, sources said the Kaduna State Government has been working discreetly to facilitate the release of the abducted worshippers.
“There have been ongoing behind-the-scenes efforts to secure their freedom,” a source disclosed.
Another source added that Governor Sani has held consultations in Abuja with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other top security officials.
“The discussions are focused on identifying those who can play a critical role in securing the victims’ release,” the source said.
According to Nivo News, the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has declared what he described as divine judgment on bandits and their alleged sponsors responsible for insecurity across parts of Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, during a sermon themed “Covenant Day of Vengeance,” Oyedepo stated that those behind killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks would face divine retribution. He further claimed that within the next seven days, consequences would begin to manifest against those he accused of fueling unrest in the country, assuring worshippers that the coming week would be marked by “testimonies of vengeance.”
He was quoted as saying that judgment had been pronounced on individuals responsible for such acts and their supporters, adding that the outcome he referenced would unfold within a week.
In a related remark during a recent midweek service, Oyedepo also acknowledged the presence of fraudsters within and outside religious spaces, warning that his identity and images were being exploited for fraudulent schemes. He urged members of his congregation to remain vigilant and committed to truth to avoid falling victim to scams involving impersonation.
He recounted a case where an individual allegedly posed as him in an attempt to defraud unsuspecting victims, noting that such incidents highlight the growing sophistication of fraudulent activities.
A political disagreement has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State following Governor Abdullahi Sule’s reported endorsement of Senator Aliyu Wadada as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the move has sparked tension between the governor and his predecessor, Umar Tanko Al-Makura, who faulted the decision, describing it as premature and not properly consulted within party structures.
Al-Makura, a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, expressed displeasure that he only became aware of the endorsement through media reports. He argued that the decision should have involved wider consultation, warning that such early endorsements could undermine internal party processes.
He further noted that the APC had not begun its formal nomination process, insisting that declaring support for a candidate at this stage was inappropriate and ahead of schedule.
The controversy was further heightened by former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammad Adamu, who is also aspiring for the APC governorship ticket. He rejected the endorsement, stating that no individual has the authority to impose a candidate, and reaffirmed his intention to contest in the party primaries.
In response, Governor Sule, through his media aide, defended the endorsement, stating that it was consistent with political traditions in the state. He referenced past succession arrangements, including Al-Makura’s own endorsement of him, arguing that the current process was in line with established practice but being conducted more transparently.
The governor’s camp clarified that Senator Wadada remains a preferred aspirant and not the party’s official candidate.
Senator Wadada, reacting to the development, called for calm among party members, describing the situation as part of normal political competition. He also downplayed tensions with other aspirants, noting that the contest should be seen as a democratic process.
Meanwhile, support for Adamu continues to grow in parts of Nasarawa South, where youths, women, and stakeholders have openly backed his ambition, alongside broader endorsements for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Adamu, however, maintained that he remains firmly in the race, accusing some political actors of inconsistency in the unfolding succession dynamics.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has described as unnecessary the denial issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) regarding an invitation allegedly extended to him for the groundbreaking ceremony of an ecumenical chapel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to Nivo News, the Sultan’s media team maintained that an official invitation was duly sent to His Eminence requesting his attendance as Royal Father of the Day. The statement explained that the event also listed key dignitaries, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as Distinguished Guest of Honour, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu as Mother of the Day.
The Sultan’s office emphasised that his participation in the proposed Christian event would promote interfaith harmony, noting his role as Co-Chairman of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). It added that globally, religious leaders often engage in events outside their faith traditions as part of efforts to encourage unity and peaceful coexistence.
The response follows an earlier clarification from CAN, which denied issuing any invitation to the Sultan and stated that the document circulating in public was not from the association. CAN further explained that the communication in question originated from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and insisted that it had no involvement in inviting the Sultan to the event.
While acknowledging that the SGF’s office was linked to the invitation process, the Sultan’s media team expressed concern over CAN’s denial, describing it as unnecessary and capable of creating misunderstanding, especially since the Sultan did not request to attend the ceremony.
The statement also urged religious bodies to focus on messages that strengthen unity and promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds.
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp