The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident occurred in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of uncertainty and conflicting reports.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police acknowledged that the incident, which caused fear among residents, was initially disputed during a Kaduna State Security Council meeting convened by Governor Uba Sani.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that some individuals from the affected local government initially described the report as false, creating uncertainty and the need for further verification by security agencies.
Hundeyin also clarified that earlier comments by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad — widely interpreted as a denial — were aimed at preventing public panic while investigations were ongoing.
“The remarks were not a denial of the incident but a measure to avoid unnecessary panic while details were being confirmed,” he said.
Following the confirmation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
According to the police, tactical units have been deployed, patrols intensified, and targeted search-and-rescue operations launched to locate and rescue the victims while restoring calm in the area.
The Force also urged the public and the media to rely on official sources for verified information and avoid speculation that could jeopardise ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern region, through its chairman, John Hayab, claimed that scores of worshippers were abducted in the community.
However, the Kaduna State Police Command and the state government initially dismissed the reports as “false.”
During a press briefing, Commissioner of Police Rabiu Muhammad challenged anyone with evidence to present it.
“Anyone who has evidence should come forward with the list of kidnapped persons and their particulars,” Rabiu said.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, said he had engaged CAN at the state level as well as community leaders, adding that their feedback indicated the reports were “completely false.”
The confirmed abduction adds to the growing list of mass kidnapping incidents in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, where communities continue to face persistent security challenges.
