Amnesty International Faults Police, Kaduna Govt Over Denial of 177 Christian Abductions

Amnesty International has criticised the Nigeria Police Force and the Kaduna State Government over their denial of reported mass abductions in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement on Thursday, the human rights organisation described the denial as a disturbing trend that undermines public trust, perpetuates impunity, and worsens the recurring cycle of abductions in the country.

Amnesty International said the stance of the authorities has further compounded the suffering of families and communities whose loved ones were abducted.

The organisation noted that the denial has persisted despite what it described as overwhelming evidence, including eyewitness accounts, documented lists of victims, and repeated appeals by church leaders and community representatives.

According to Amnesty International, the police and the Kaduna State Government have repeatedly dismissed reports of the abductions as “fake news” or attributed them to unnamed political opposition, a move the group said trivialises the ordeal of victims and survivors.

Amnesty International warned that the refusal to acknowledge such incidents not only obstructs justice but also emboldens perpetrators, leaving affected communities exposed to further attacks.

The group called on the authorities to immediately recognise the incident, conduct credible investigations, and take concrete steps to protect communities and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Recall that armed terrorists attacked three churches including two which are part of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, and one from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), kidnapping 177 Christians.

In a joint statement with local government officials on Monday, Kaduna State police commissioner Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu described the reports of a kidnapping as “mere falsehood which is being peddled by conflict entrepreneurs who want to cause chaos”.

He challenged “anyone to list the names of the kidnapped victims and other particulars.”

Just a day later, the Police confirmed the attack and kidnap stating that their initial denial was a measured response pending investigation.

Meanwhile, 177 names of victims of the kidnapping have been published.