The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident took place at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following earlier uncertainty over the authenticity of reports surrounding the incident.
In a statement shared on its X handle on Tuesday night, the Force said it initially received reports of the abduction, which sparked widespread concern among residents and the general public.
The statement, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that the development prompted the Kaduna State Governor to convene an emergency meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Kaduna.
However, Hundeyin explained that confusion arose during the meeting when some individuals from the affected local government area challenged the police report, claiming the incident did not occur.
According to him, the conflicting narratives necessitated caution and further verification before the police could issue a definitive public position.
The Force clarified that remarks made earlier by the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State during a media engagement were meant to prevent panic while investigations were ongoing, and not to deny that an abduction 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 noted that further verification by police operational units and intelligence sources later confirmed that the abduction indeed took place.
He said coordinated security operations were immediately launched in collaboration with other security agencies, focusing on rescuing the victims and restoring peace to the affected 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 added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the 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 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 clarification followed earlier claims by the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kajuru Local Government Area that bandits had abducted about 172 worshippers during a church service on Sunday.
However, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, had dismissed the report, describing it as a fabrication allegedly spread by “conflict entrepreneurs” intent on destabilising the state.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Government also refuted the claim, insisting that there was no mass abduction of church members in Kajuru Local a Government Area.
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