The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that 160 worshippers were abducted from Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the completion of security verification into reports that initially produced conflicting accounts. Gunmen were reported to have attacked two churches in the community on Sunday while worship services were ongoing, forcing more than 160 worshippers away from the premises. The figures, first disclosed by church officials, were initially treated with caution by security agencies pending confirmation. Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in northern Nigeria, Reverend Joseph Hayab, said the attackers struck during church services, blocked entry and exit points, and compelled worshippers to move into surrounding bush areas. The incident generated controversy earlier on Monday when the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed reports of abductions from churches in Kajuru as “mere falsehoods which is being peddled by conflict entrepreneurs who want to cause chaos.” Later in the day, the Nigeria Police Force issued an official statement acknowledging public concern and explaining the delay in confirming the incident. Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.” “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 confusion arose after differing accounts emerged during a Kaduna State Security Council meeting held at the Government House. “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,” he said. “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.” Addressing the earlier remarks by the state police commissioner, Hundeyin stated, “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.” He added, “Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur.” Following the confirmation, Hundeyin said the police activated joint security operations with other agencies, aimed at rescuing the victims and stabilising the area. “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 also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered “the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.” According to Hundeyin, the response includes “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.” He said security operations remain ongoing and urged the public and media to rely on official updates, warning against “speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.”
