The Adara Development Association (ADA) has accused security forces and the Kajuru Local Government Council of attempting to cover up the abduction of 166 worshippers by armed bandits in Kurmin Wali community, located within the Afogo Ward of Kaduna State.
In a statement issued on January 20, 2026, ADA’s president, Chief Sebastine A. Barde, alleged that on Sunday, January 18, armed assailants stormed multiple church services in the area, abducting worshippers from the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Churches I and II, and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA). The abduction occurred at around 10 a.m. during services and as worshippers were heading home.
According to ADA, the assailants initially captured 177 people. However, 11 managed to escape, leaving 166 people in captivity. The breakdown of those abducted includes 50 from Cherubim and Seraphim Church I, 92 from Church II, and 24 from ECWA.
“The victims were forcibly taken at gunpoint and marched into the forest,” the statement read. “Despite the community’s efforts to contact security agencies, no rescue operation was launched immediately.”
ADA also accused the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Mr. Dauda Madaki, of downplaying the incident after their visit to the community on January 19. The officials publicly denied that any abduction had taken place, dismissing the reports as mere rumors allegedly propagated by “conflict entrepreneurs.”
In response to these denials, ADA challenged the police commissioner and the council chairman to provide verifiable evidence to support their claims. The association further emphasized that survivors and relatives of the victims are available to corroborate the facts.
“Both the Commissioner of Police and the Chairman owe the public a public apology for suppressing the truth,” ADA demanded. “We call on Governor Uba Sani to step in, demonstrate moral leadership, and ensure accountability.”
The association also raised alarm about the ongoing insecurity in Adara communities, urging both the state and federal governments, as well as citizens of goodwill, to prioritize efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and enhance security in vulnerable areas.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Police Command nor the Kajuru Local Government authorities had responded to the accusations made by ADA.
