By DAYO ADESULU
A fresh wave of outrage is rippling across Nigeria following explosive allegations that the Federal Government deliberately suppressed information surrounding the abduction of 166 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The accusations, coming from a Yoruba socio-political group, have reopened painful questions about insecurity, transparency, and the value of human life under the current administration.
Yoruba Union Alleges State-Sponsored Silence
The Yoruba group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of not only denying the mass abduction but actively working to keep it out of public view.
According to the Union, families of the abducted worshippers were allegedly warned by security operatives to remain silent, with the aim of preventing international attention, particularly from the United States government.
The group described the alleged actions as part of a disturbing pattern where insecurity is minimized publicly, while victims are pressured into silence behind closed doors.
“This is not just negligence. This is denial layered on intimidation,” the Union said.
“Human Lives Mean Nothing Under APC” — Group Laments
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the Union said the Kajuru incident represents a wider collapse of public safety across Nigeria.
The statement was signed by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun.
They argued that under the APC-led government, kidnapping has evolved from sporadic crime into a structured, profit-driven enterprise, with terrorists operating openly and confidently.
“Kidnapping is now a daily reality. Armed groups abduct citizens at will, negotiate ransoms publicly, and move freely without fear of arrest,” the statement said.
Worship Centres No Longer Sacred
The Union expressed particular alarm at what it described as a new phase of insecurity: the invasion of churches and mosques.
According to the group, terrorists now storm religious gatherings, abduct worshippers, and retreat without resistance, while authorities allegedly focus on managing public perception rather than confronting the threat.
“Terrorists have crossed a red line. Churches and mosques are no longer safe, yet citizens are told to keep quiet,” the Union warned.
This, they said, has eroded trust in the government’s ability and willingness to protect its people.
Communities Emptying Out Across Nigeria
Beyond Kaduna, the group painted a grim picture of widespread displacement.
They noted that repeated attacks and abductions have forced entire communities to abandon their homes across several states, including Kogi, Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Benue, Kaduna, and Borno.
In some areas, they claimed, terrorists now exercise de facto control, leaving civilians with no option but to flee.
“Our people are running from their ancestral homes. Villages are emptying out, and the government appears overwhelmed or uninterested,” the statement added.
Ransom Economy Deepens Humanitarian Crisis
The Union also highlighted the economic devastation faced by families of abducted victims.
According to them, relatives are often forced to sell land, houses, and personal belongings, borrow heavily, or beg publicly on social media to raise ransom payments.
Despite these payments, the group said arrests remain rare, and prosecution even rarer.
“Families are ruined financially, while kidnappers walk free,” the Union lamented.
Monarchs, Chiefs Also Targets
The group referenced recent high-profile abductions, including that of a traditional ruler in Kwara State and two chiefs in Kogi State, as evidence that no segment of society is spared.
They called on security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted persons, including the 166 worshippers in Kajuru, and to demonstrate decisive action.
“Nigeria is not a banana republic. Human life should be sacred,” the group stressed.
Critics Targeted, Terrorists Untouched?
In a sharp rebuke of government priorities, the Union accused authorities of focusing more on arresting critics than dismantling terror networks.
They cited the prosecution of activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore over alleged online criticism of President Tinubu, contrasting it with what they described as the government’s failure to arrest terrorists who openly flaunt their activities online.
“These criminals post their crimes on social media, yet intelligence agencies look the other way,” the statement said.
“We Will Not Be Silenced”
Despite alleged intimidation, the Union vowed to continue speaking out.
It reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for safety, accountability, and the protection of lives across Nigeria, insisting that silence is no longer an option.“We will not rest or be cowed,” the group declared. “The lives of Nigerians matter, and those in power must be held accountable.”
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