The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident occurred at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following initial uncertainty surrounding reports of the incident.
In a statement on X on Tuesday night, the Force said it received reports of the abduction, which generated widespread concern among residents and the general public.
The statement by the Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the development prompted the Kaduna State Governor to convene a meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House, Kaduna.
However, he explained that confusion arose during the meeting when some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report earlier confirmed by the police, describing it as false.
According to him, the conflicting accounts necessitated caution and further verification before making definitive public statements on the matter.
The police said comments made by the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State during a media interaction were aimed at preventing unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed and were not intended to deny the incident.
“The remarks, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected,” the statement said.
He said subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources later confirmed that the abduction did take place.
Hundeyin said coordinated security operations were immediately activated in collaboration with other security agencies, with a focus on rescuing the victims and restoring calm in the area.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur. The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, activated coordinated security operations, working closely with other security agencies, with a clear focus on locating and safely rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area,” he said.
Hundeyin said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. These efforts include the deployment of tactical units as well as intensified patrols already in place, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.”
“The Nigeria Police Force appeals to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation. The public is encouraged to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.”
“The Force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold,” he said.
The Christian Association of Nigeria in Kajuru Local Government Area had claimed that bandits abducted about 172 worshippers during a church service on Sunday. However, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, swiftly dismissed the report, describing it as a falsehood allegedly being spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to create chaos in the state.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Government also refuted the claim, insisting that there was no mass abduction of church members in Kajuru Local Government Area.
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