Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Nigeria is facing a fresh wave of controversy and political crackle over one of the most alarming mass kidnappings in recent memory, after an ex-presidential candidate publicly accused the federal government of complicity and systematic cover-ups in the response to the abductions in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The allegations have reignited intense debate over leadership accountability, public safety, and the trust deficit between citizens and the state at a time of mounting insecurity across large swathes of the country.
The crisis stems from a mass abduction of worshippers and civilians on 18 January 2026 in the Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru, where gunmen attacked three churches during services and seized scores of people. Initial figures indicated that over 170 worshippers were taken captive, though numbers vary slightly in different reports as authorities, community leaders, and families try to reconcile the toll. After initial public scepticism, official confirmation eventually came from the Nigeria Police Force, admitting that the kidnappings did indeed occur following widespread outcry and mounting evidence.
At the heart of the current political storm is Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, a seasoned politician and former presidential candidate, who has accused the Nigerian government of being complicit in the Kajuru kidnappings and subsequent attempts to conceal the full extent of the atrocity. While detailed public records of his exact statements on social media are limited, the widespread circulation of assertions by Mr Hashim — particularly on widely shared social media postings — suggests he believes the government’s initial denials and muted response reflect deeper institutional failings or worse, a deliberate attempt to suppress facts to protect a political narrative.
The sharpest criticism from Mr Hashim and his supporters is directed at what they describe as a failed and calculated cover-up, including the delayed acknowledgment of the abductions by security agencies. At first, senior police officers and the local government chairman publicly denied that any mass abduction had taken place — a denial that was widely challenged by families of the victims and civil society groups. It was only after considerable pressure that authorities reversed their position and confirmed the reality of the kidnappings.
Opposition figures, community leaders, and civic organisations have seized on this sequence of events to question the motives and competence of the federal government and state security operatives. Critics say initial official denials undermined early rescue efforts, sowed confusion among residents, and conveyed a sense that political considerations were being prioritised over saving lives. Statements from political parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have echoed these concerns, accusing state and federal authorities of being more intent on managing public perception than facing the reality of the security crisis.
The murky political backdrop adds complexity to what is already a deeply painful human tragedy. Kajuru and other parts of Southern Kaduna have long been afflicted by communal violence, banditry, and kidnappings, part of a wider tapestry of insecurity that has plagued the region for years. Historical patterns of violence and displacement in Southern Kaduna — including earlier killings and kidnappings — have contributed to deep-rooted mistrust between communities and security institutions.
Families of the abducted have expressed anguish not only over the fate of their loved ones but also about the way the incident was portrayed publicly. Relatives and local leaders lamented the delay in admitting the kidnappings occurred, arguing that every hour of denial cost valuable time in rescue and negotiation efforts. These concerns have been compounded by reports that the authorities initially challenged claims by church bodies and residents, demanding proof before acknowledging the events took place.
Human rights groups, faith organisations and political parties alike have called for urgent and transparent rescue operations. They have pressed for full disclosure of the names and conditions of those abducted, unimpeded access for family members and independent observers to the affected communities, and swift mobilisation of security assets to locate the hostages in the dense forests where the kidnappers are believed to be holding them.
The federal government’s broader silence in the early stages of the crisis has been interpreted by critics as either indecision or a tactical error that emboldened the perpetrators. The tone of political debate around the issue underscores a broader unease among Nigerians about the government’s handling of recurring insecurity — especially when it comes to kidnappings that have become alarmingly frequent in parts of the north and central belt regions.
Senior government officials have responded defensively to the accusations, emphasising that security agencies are fully engaged in rescue operations and that initial reports were based on intelligence assessments. The police have also maintained that their priority is to ensure the survival and safe return of the abducted, even as they contend with misinformation and conflicting narratives about the circumstances of the kidnappings.
Security analysts say the Kajuru incident highlights significant structural challenges in Nigeria’s fight against violent criminal organisations. These include gaps in intelligence, coordination hurdles among multiple security outfits, and a longstanding perception that politics sometimes interferes with effective crisis response. Experts emphasise that rapid and accurate acknowledgement of such incidents is critical to mounting effective rescue operations and maintaining public confidence.
Amid fierce political exchanges, the humanitarian dimension remains ever present. Families of the missing pray for the safe return of their loved ones, while religious and community leaders continue to push for unity and decisive action. For many residents of Kajuru and beyond, the crisis has compounded existing fears about security and raised urgent questions about the role of governance in protecting ordinary citizens.
As the saga unfolds, the intersecting narratives of political blame, institutional accountability, and human loss are likely to shape public discourse in Nigeria for weeks, if not months, to come. Whether the accusations of complicity will translate into concrete investigations or policy reforms remains uncertain. But what is clear is that the Kajuru kidnappings have struck a raw nerve in the national psyche, forcing conversations about governance, security, and the sanctity of human life in one of Africa’s most populous nations.
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