Peter Obi has hinted that the Kaduna police commissioner, Muhammad Rabiu, and the Kajuru local government chairman, Dauda Madaki, should be sanctioned for outright denial of the mass kidnapping of Christians in a church.

He said, “Since those who deny threatened to punish the people said to be spreading falsehood, who now face the punishment?”

Mr Obi, in his statement on Wednesday, wondered where the police commissioner and the local government officials got their information.

“Since it has now been confirmed that over 150 worshippers were kidnapped from churches in Kaduna, where and how did those who denied the incident initially get their information?

“In any serious country, this would trigger decisive national action, clear communication, and visible leadership,” the politician stated.

Mr Obi reiterated that “leadership is about speaking when citizens are hurting, acting when lives are at risk, and showing clearly that every Nigerian life matters”.

The politician urged the government to confront the persistent crisis of insecurity decisively while ensuring that all victims are released safely and unharmed to their families.

Scores of worshippers were kidnapped after a gang of bandits attacked several churches in the Kajuru LGA on Sunday. But Messrs Rabiu and Madaki dismissed the report as fake news.

However, according to a statement by the police national spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, Mr Rabiu lied to prevent panic.