Police Make U-turn, Confirm Abduction Of Worshippers In Kaduna

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA: The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has finally, confirmed the attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

Earlier, in denial,  the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna Police Command, CP Mohammed Rabiu, and the chairman of Kajuru local government area, Dauda Madaki, had dismissed media reports of abduction, describing them as falsehoods being peddled by what they termed “conflict entrepreneurs.”

Speaking at a press conference, Monday at the Government House in Kaduna, CP Rabiu and Madaki challenged those making the claims to provide the names and details of the alleged victims.

Madaki said he personally led security operatives to Kurmin Wali following reports of the incident but found no evidence to support claims of an attack.

According to the council chairman, the churches mentioned showed no signs of violence, while traditional rulers and youth leaders in the area also denied that any abduction took place.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a press statement, late Tuesday night, acknowledged that the incident happened.

The FPRO statement read: “The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state leading to the abduction of over 100 worshippers by gun men.

“The Force understands the fear and anxiety such reports cause to families, residents, and the general public, and treats the safety of every citizen as a matter of utmost priority.

“Upon receiving the report, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the Governor.  During the meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the Police, and described it as false. 

“This created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification by the Police and other security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter.

“In this context, comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed.

“Those remarks, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected.

“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.”

Hundeyin further stated that, “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. These efforts include 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 NPF 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.” the statement added.