The Nigeria Police Force has acknowledged that more than 100 worshippers were abducted by gunmen in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, reversing an earlier denial issued less than 24 hours after the incident.
Gunmen had attacked three churches in the community on Sunday, carting away an estimated 167 worshippers. The following day, however, the Kaduna State Police Command dismissed the reports, describing them as misinformation allegedly spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” bent on disturbing the state’s relative calm.
At a press briefing in Kaduna, the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, had challenged those circulating the reports to produce the names and identities of the victims, insisting that police records did not reflect any such abduction.
The denial sparked criticism from Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N), which maintained that the abductions occurred and accused security operatives of frustrating independent verification efforts. According to the group, its team was barred from accessing the affected community during a fact-finding visit, despite presenting valid identification.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the confusion stemmed from a Kaduna State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Uba Sani.
Hundeyin said some representatives from Kajuru LGA at the meeting disputed the abduction claims, describing them as false, which influenced the initial public response by the police.
He clarified that the commissioner’s comments during his media interaction were made to prevent panic while verification was still ongoing, stressing that they were not intended to deny the incident.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” Hundeyin said.
Following the confirmation, Hundeyin disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring communities.
According to him, the operation includes enhanced patrols, targeted search-and-rescue missions, and other proactive measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property.
He urged members of the public and the media to rely on official police communication for accurate information and to avoid speculation capable of jeopardising rescue efforts, adding that the police would continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
Read more news on www.newdailyprime.news
