Kaduna Assembly Denies Viral Report of Lawmaker's Abduction by Bandits
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has firmly denied a widely circulated online report alleging that Usman Stingo, the member representing Kajuru Constituency, was abducted by suspected terrorists. In a statement issued on Thursday, February 12, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, NGOs and Development Partners, Marah Henry, described the report as entirely false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to incite fear and undermine public trust in the government's security efforts.
Official Rebuttal and Call for Calm
Marah Henry clarified that Usman Stingo is safe and actively performing his official duties, dismissing the claim as a fabrication. He emphasized that the individual named in the publication was incorrectly identified as a member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, and the photograph used in the report did not accurately represent the constituency's leadership, highlighting a lack of due diligence by the publisher.
Henry urged the public to disregard the report and remain calm, assuring that the state government remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. He advised citizens to rely solely on official sources for information and to avoid sharing unverified reports that could cause panic. "The government's priority remains the peace and stability of Kaduna State," he stated.
Context of Insecurity in Kaduna
This denial comes amid ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State. In a separate incident, terrorists abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Nathaniel Asuwaye, and 10 other residents while killing three persons during an attack on Karku community in Kauru Local Government Area on Saturday, February 7. The Catholic Archdiocese of Kafanchan confirmed the abduction, expressing deep sorrow and calling for prayers for the victims.
Additionally, earlier reports indicated that 80 abducted victims had been found in Kaduna State, though 86 remained missing after an attack. Survivors recounted fleeing into forests and hiding in fear, delaying their return and communication with authorities. Police have been engaging with local leaders to address the rising insecurity in the region.
The Kaduna Assembly's swift response aims to counter misinformation and reinforce confidence in official channels, as the state continues to grapple with bandit activities and efforts to enhance security measures.
