No worshippers kidnapped in Kajuru — Police

The Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, has dismissed reports alleging the kidnapping of over 100 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, describing the claims as false and deliberately peddled to cause panic and instability.

Rabiu stated this on Monday while addressing journalists after the State Security Council meeting held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna. He challenged those spreading the reports to provide the names and details of the alleged victims.

According to him, the rumours were being circulated by “conflict entrepreneurs” bent on disrupting the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.

He warned purveyors of false information to desist from such acts, stressing that the full weight of the law would be applied to anyone found deliberately spreading misinformation capable of inciting unrest.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said investigations carried out by security agencies showed that no such kidnapping incident occurred.

Madaki explained that upon hearing the reports, he mobilised the police and other security operatives to Kurmin Wali, the area where the alleged incident was said to have taken place.

“We visited the church where the supposed kidnapping occurred and found no evidence of any attack,” he said. “I also spoke with the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, who confirmed that nothing of that nature happened.”

He added that the youth leader of the community, Bernard Bona—who accompanied journalists to the area—also denied that any worshippers were kidnapped.

Madaki challenged anyone with contrary information to produce the names of the alleged victims, noting that no such list had been presented despite repeated calls.

He attributed the rumour to individuals unhappy with the prevailing peace in Kajuru since the current administration assumed office.

The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while encouraging them to report suspicious movements and the spread of false information to security agencies.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said religious leaders, including officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had also engaged with the affected communities and confirmed that the reported kidnapping was unfounded.

He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s zero tolerance for criminality and assured residents of continued efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.