The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of more than 100 church worshippers in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of conflicting reports over the incident.
The abduction reportedly occurred over the weekend when armed men stormed the community during a church service and whisked away scores of worshippers, triggering fear and uncertainty among residents. Initial reports of the incident were earlier downplayed by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, who had suggested that no such abduction had taken place.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 20, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said fresh findings and intelligence reports have now confirmed that the abduction indeed occurred.
“The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement read. “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.”
According to the police, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by Governor Uba Sani shortly after the incident was reported. During the meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report and described it as false, a development that created uncertainty and underscored the need for careful verification before official confirmation.
The Force explained that comments earlier made by the Commissioner of Police were intended to prevent panic while investigations and field verification were ongoing, noting that the remarks were widely misinterpreted as a denial of the incident.
“Those remarks 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,” Hundeyin said.
Following subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources, the police confirmed that the abduction took place and immediately activated coordinated security operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. The measures include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, and targeted search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating and safely rescuing the victims, as well as restoring calm to the area.
Authorities have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted worshippers and to strengthen security across vulnerable communities in the state.