Police Admit Churchgoers Were Abducted in Kaduna

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has acknowledged the abduction of more than 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state, a day after initially rejecting the report.

On Sunday, armed attackers struck three churches in the area and abducted about 167 worshippers.

However, on Monday, the Kaduna state police command described the report as false, blaming “conflict entrepreneurs” allegedly bent on disturbing the state’s relative calm.

During a press briefing in Kaduna, the state commissioner of police, Muhammad Rabiu, challenged those circulating the reports to produce names and identities of the alleged victims, stating there was no record of any abduction.

After the police denial, Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N), a human rights organisation, maintained that the abductions occurred and accused security agencies of hindering independent verification.

The group alleged that security operatives blocked its team from entering the community during a fact-finding mission, despite presenting valid identification.

‘TACTICAL UNITS, INTELLIGENT ASSETS DEPLOYED TO RESCUE VICTIMS’

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the force public relations officer, explained that the earlier confusion followed a Kaduna state security council meeting convened by Governor Uba Sani.

Hundeyin said some participants from Kajuru LGA at the meeting disputed the abduction reports, claiming they were untrue.

He noted that the commissioner’s remarks to the media were meant to prevent public panic while investigations were ongoing, not to dismiss the incident outright.

“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” the statement reads.

After confirming the incident, Hundeyin said the inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the immediate deployment of tactical teams and intelligence resources to Kajuru and nearby communities.

He said the measures include increased patrols, focused search-and-rescue operations, and preventive steps to safeguard lives and property.

Hundeyin appealed to the public and the media to depend on official police updates for verified information and avoid speculation that could jeopardise rescue operations.

He added that further updates would be provided as investigations and rescue efforts continue.