The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of over 100 church goers in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Over the weekend, there were reports that unknown gunmen stormed the community and abducted over 100 worshippers during service. Amidst the panic following the report, the state Commissioner of Police. Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed the report saying nothing of such happened. Read here.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, January 20, the Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said facts have now emerged that the abduction indeed occurred.
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. 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.Entertainment center
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.
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 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 statement read