The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident occurred in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following initial uncertainty that trailed early reports of the incident, Dip Connect Online News reports.
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday night, the Force said it received reports of the abduction, which sparked widespread concern among residents and the general public.
According to the statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the development prompted the Kaduna State Governor to convene an emergency meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Kaduna.
Hundeyin explained, however, that confusion arose during the meeting when some individuals from the affected local government area challenged the earlier police confirmation, claiming the report was false. He noted that the conflicting accounts necessitated caution and further verification before definitive public statements could be made.
The police clarified that comments earlier made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were still being verified, and not to deny that any incident had occurred.
“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.
Hundeyin disclosed that subsequent verification by police operational units and intelligence sources later confirmed that the abduction did, in fact, take place.
He added that coordinated security operations were immediately activated in collaboration with other security agencies, with a focus on rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur. The Nigeria Police Force has 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 further revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and neighbouring 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, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property,” he stated.
The police appealed to members of the public and the media to exercise patience and cooperate with security agencies, urging them 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,” Hundeyin added.
The clarification followed claims by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area that bandits had abducted about 172 worshippers during a church service on Sunday.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, had earlier dismissed the report, describing it as false and allegedly being spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to destabilise 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.
Elijah Adeyemi
