The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of residents in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following earlier denial of the incident.
The Kaduna State Police Command had, on Monday, denied the attack, urging the people to disregard the report.
The incident was first reported as an attack on church worshippers, with church leaders and civil society groups alleging that over 160 persons were abducted during Sunday’s services, including from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.
However, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement issued on Tuesday night, said after further checks from operational units and intelligence sources, the police confirmed that the abduction occurred.
Hundeyin disclosed that following the incident, the Kaduna State Security Council meeting was convened by the state governor, Uba Sani, at the Government House in Kaduna.
Hundeyin said during the meeting, some individuals from the affected Local Government Area disputed the report and described it as false, which led to confusion and the need for further verification.
The police spokesman said comments made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, which appeared to cast doubt on the incident, were meant to prevent panic while security agencies worked to confirm details from the field.
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He stated: “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.
“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.”
Hundeyin assured Nigerians of the Force’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that updates would be provided as the situation develops.
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