The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that the reported abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, indeed occurred, contrary to earlier conflicting accounts that had created confusion and public anxiety.
It, however, clarified that the Police’s initial response was not a denial of the incident but rather a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field.
Recall that the Police in Kaduna on Monday outrightly denied the attack, urging the people to disregard the story.
The incident was first reported as an attack on church worshippers, with church leaders and civil society groups alleging that over 160 persons were abducted during Sunday’s services, including from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.
In a statement issued Tuesday night and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police said: “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.”
Hundeyin explained that “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, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. These efforts include the deployment of tactical units, 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”.
