By Ghazali Ibrahim
The federal government has issued a public response to the concerns raised by Nigerian musician Falz, who questioned why no arrests had been made following the release of 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State.
Falz’s comments, made on his verified X handle, followed the November 18 church attack in which assailants kidnapped the group from a service and later released them on November 24.
While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised security forces for the rescue, Falz pointed out a glaring omission: “If the captives are released, where are the abductors? Who was arrested?”
In its response, the federal government, speaking through the Inspector‑General of Police, clarified that the attackers had not been arrested because some of them voluntarily came out for a peace dialogue with traditional leaders and security operatives.
That explanation has triggered sharp public backlash, with many Nigerians questioning the efficacy of peace talks in lieu of criminal prosecutions.
Falz’s critique has reignited public debate over security strategy and government accountability, raising new questions about how Nigeria is responding to kidnappings that increasingly target civilians in religious institutions and schools.
Whether the latest statement will restore public confidence remains uncertain.
