Olayiwola Matthew
The abduction of over 100 Christian worshippers in Kurmin Wali, in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has now been confirmed by the Nigeria Police Force. dismissing its earlier remarks that had cast doubt on the incident.
The Force PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement explained that it was aware of the “deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali” and acknowledged the fear such reports had caused residents and the general public.
According to the statement, “Initial uncertainty followed a meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council, convened by the governor, Uba Sani, where some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the Police, and described it as false.”
Hundeyin further explained that comments made earlier by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, were misunderstood, stressing that the 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.
Subsequent checks by operational units and intelligence sources, he said, have now confirmed that the incident did occur.
With the confirmation of the incident, the police spokesman stated that coordinated security operations had been activated in collaboration with other agencies, aimed at rescuing the victims and restoring calm.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, according to the statement, had ordered the deployment of “critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities”, including tactical units, intensified patrols and targeted search-and-rescue operations with the aim to rescue the victims.
It appealed to the public and the media to exercise restraint, urging them to rely on official communications for verified information and to avoid speculation that could undermine ongoing operations.
He explained, “The Force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.”