Police Confirm Mass Abduction of Churchgoers in Kaduna Community
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed the abduction of over 100 churchgoers in Kurmin Wali, a remote community within Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This confirmation comes after initial contradictory statements from state authorities created confusion about the incident.
Initial Reports and Conflicting Statements
Over the weekend, reports emerged that unknown gunmen stormed the Kurmin Wali community during a church service and abducted more than 100 worshippers. In the immediate aftermath, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu dismissed these reports, stating that no such incident had occurred.
However, in a statement released on Tuesday, January 20, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin acknowledged that subsequent verification has confirmed the abduction indeed took place. The police statement explained that the initial comments from the state commissioner were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed through proper channels.
Security Council Meeting and Verification Process
The Nigeria Police Force acknowledged the deep concern generated by reports of the abduction and emphasized their commitment to citizen safety. Following the initial reports, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the state governor at Government House in Kaduna.
During this meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the abduction report, describing it as false. This created significant uncertainty and reinforced the need for thorough verification by security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such sensitive matters.
The police statement clarified that Commissioner Rabiu's earlier remarks were not a denial of the incident but rather a measured response pending confirmation of details from operational units in the field. These details included verifying the identities and exact number of those affected by the abduction.
Coordinated Security Response Activated
After subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources confirmed the incident, the Nigeria Police Force activated coordinated security operations. These operations involve close collaboration with other security agencies with a clear focus on:
- Locating and safely rescuing all victims
- Restoring calm to the affected area
- Implementing proactive measures to protect lives and property
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. These efforts include:
- Deployment of tactical police units
- Intensified patrols in affected areas
- Targeted search-and-rescue operations
- Enhanced security measures for vulnerable communities
Community Impact and Police Commitment
The police statement acknowledged the fear and anxiety such incidents cause to families, residents, and the general public. The Force emphasized treating the safety of every citizen as a matter of utmost priority and maintaining transparency in their operations.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in remote communities across Kaduna State and the importance of accurate information dissemination during crisis situations. The Nigeria Police Force has committed to continued updates as their rescue operations progress in Kajuru Local Government Area.
