POLICE RETRACT EARLIER CLAIM, ADMIT CHURCHGOERS WERE ABDUCTED IN KADUNA
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the abduction of more than 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, barely 24 hours after dismissing reports of the incident.
Gunmen had reportedly attacked three churches in the community on Sunday, abducting about 167 worshippers. However, the Kaduna State Police Command on Monday described the reports as false, alleging they were spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” bent on disrupting the state’s relative peace.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kaduna, the state commissioner of police, Muhammad Rabiu, challenged those circulating the reports to provide names and details of the alleged victims, insisting there was no official record of such abductions.
Following the police denial, Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N), a human rights organisation, maintained that the abductions occurred and accused security operatives of frustrating attempts to independently verify the incident. The group alleged that its team was denied access to the community during a fact-finding mission despite presenting valid identification.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the confusion arose from deliberations at a Kaduna State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Uba Sani. According to Hundeyin, some representatives from Kajuru LGA at the meeting disputed the abduction claims, describing them as untrue.
He explained that the comments made earlier by the commissioner of police were intended to prevent panic while investigations were ongoing, not to deny the incident.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” Hundeyin said.
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Following the confirmation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of tactical units and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring communities. The deployment includes intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and other proactive measures to safeguard lives and property.
Hundeyin urged the public and the media to rely on official police channels for verified information and to avoid speculation that could hamper ongoing rescue efforts, assuring that updates would be provided as the situation develops.
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