The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of church worshippers in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, days after initially dismissing reports of the incident.
The confirmation came hours after the Kaduna State Police Command described the reported mass abduction as false and blamed it on rumour mongers seeking to cause panic. However, following further investigations, police authorities now say the kidnapping did occur.
According to Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who spoke through the Inspector-General of Police’s office, the earlier denial stemmed from conflicting accounts provided by residents of the community. These inconsistencies, he said, led the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police to issue what was described as a preliminary response.
In a statement issued by the Force and signed by spokesperson ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, police clarified that the earlier remarks were not intended to dismiss the incident outright.
“Comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed,” the statement said.
“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.”
The statement added that subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources confirmed that the abduction took place.
Hundeyin also outlined steps being taken by the police to rescue the victims and secure the affected communities.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities,” he said.
“These efforts include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.”
The attack occurred on Sunday, when gunmen reportedly stormed ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Church during worship services. Police said 163 worshippers were abducted, while seven managed to escape.
The incident is believed to be one of the largest recorded mass abductions in Kaduna State in recent times.
Despite the grim development, the Nigeria Police Force appealed for calm and cooperation from the public, stressing that unverified reports could undermine rescue efforts.
“The Force appeals to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation,” Hundeyin said.
“Citizens are encouraged to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardize ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.”
He added that the police remain committed to rescuing the abducted worshippers and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
As of press time, police had not disclosed further details from the escaped victims or the whereabouts of the attackers. TheJour.com will continue to monitor and report developments as more information becomes available.
