Mahdi Shehu has taken a swipe at the Nigeria Police Force and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Danladi, over what he described as misleading early reactions to the abduction of Christian worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna State.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the 22nd of January, 2026, Shehu said emerging facts had confirmed that the reported kidnapping of between 164 and 173 worshippers actually occurred, contrary to earlier suggestions that the incident was exaggerated or fabricated for monetary motives.
He alleged that the chairman of Kajuru LGA failed to engage with community leaders at a critical time, choosing instead to evade calls rather than give the public accurate and verified updates.
“The most shameless and panicky denial came from the Chairman of Kajuru local government Mr Danladi who avoided several calls from even his community leaders for update so that he can speak with facts not with fear,” Shehu wrote.
Shehu also criticised the Kaduna State Police Command, faulting what he termed a hurried and unverified response to the incident.
“The most scandalous of all the denials was the one that came from the police command who acted in a haste without verification and who remained on denial,” he said.
According to Shehu, the police reaction undermined the credibility of those who initially raised the alarm and slowed down the possibility of prompt intervention. He argued that the delay worsened the situation for the victims and their families.
“By the time the police admitted the sad avoidable event, the damage had been done. Had the police acted swiftly, the story would have been different,” he added.
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Calling for urgent action, Shehu urged security agencies to demonstrate the same commitment shown in recent rescue operations in Sokoto and Niger states in addressing the Kajuru abduction.
“I hope the same rigorous efforts deployed in the rescue of the recent Sokoto and Niger victims will be applied in bringing back the Kajuru victims within the shortest possible time,” he said.
He concluded by expressing sympathy for the affected families, assuring them of continued prayers and support.
“My sympathy goes to the entire families of the victims and our prayers for their safety, safe return and fortitude will continue,” Shehu wrote.