The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has slammed the Federal Government over what it described as a failed attempt to cover up the mass abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State, accusing authorities of being more concerned with public relations than protecting lives.
The party condemned the initial denial of the abduction at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area by the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, warning the Federal Government to stop denying the country’s worsening security crisis.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the incident as another example of the APC-led government’s obsession with suppressing uncomfortable truths to maintain a false image of security.
The party expressed grave concern that the abduction was only acknowledged after public outcry, raising serious questions about the government’s credibility and commitment to citizen safety.
According to the ADC, “This was not a communication error. It was a deliberate act of denial by a government more interested in looking good than solving problems. In moments of violence, truth is the first line of defence. When government chooses silence or falsehood, it delays action, deepens trauma, and puts more lives at risk.”
The party also criticised the Federal Government’s silence on the incident, describing it as a sign of fatigue and lack of empathy, adding that silence in a security crisis only worsens fear and erodes public trust.
ADC further alleged that journalists and civil society groups were prevented from accessing affected communities, questioning what authorities were attempting to hide.
“It is troubling that verified accounts from families, community leaders and religious bodies were dismissed. A government committed to solving problems asks for information, it does not suppress it,” the party said.
The opposition party also pointed to contradictions in Kaduna State’s so-called peace strategy, noting that while officials rushed to deny the abduction, senior government figures have openly acknowledged negotiations with bandits.
“This approach rewards criminality and leaves law-abiding citizens exposed to further attacks,” the ADC warned.
The party called for the immediate and transparent rescue of all abducted persons, an independent investigation into the initial denial of the incident, and the lifting of restrictions on journalists and civil society organisations in conflict-affected areas.
ADC also demanded full disclosure of any agreements between government authorities and armed groups, including their legal basis and oversight mechanisms.
“No Nigerian should have to beg the government to acknowledge their suffering,” the statement said. “Leadership begins with honesty, and the first duty of government is to protect life, dignity and truth.”
