Kaduna abduction confirmed as police admit over 100 church worshippers were kidnapped in Kajuru, following initial denial and security council confusion.
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed the abduction of more than 100 church worshippers in Kurmin Wali, a remote settlement in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, bringing clarity to days of confusion, public anxiety, and conflicting official statements.
The abduction reportedly occurred over the weekend when armed men stormed the community during a church service and whisked away worshippers into nearby forests.
News of the attack spread rapidly, triggering widespread fear across Kaduna State and beyond, particularly as early reports suggested that women and children were among those taken.
However, in the immediate aftermath of the incident, the Kaduna Police Command created uncertainty after the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, publicly dismissed the reports, stating that there was no verified abduction in the area.
The denial drew sharp reactions from residents, civil society groups, and religious leaders who accused authorities of downplaying a serious security breach.
On Tuesday, January 20, the Nigeria Police Force issued a comprehensive statement confirming that the Kaduna abduction did, in fact, take place.
The clarification was provided by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who acknowledged public concern and explained the circumstances that led to the earlier contradiction.
According to the police, the confusion stemmed from conflicting information presented during an emergency meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council, convened by the state governor shortly after the reports surfaced.
The meeting, held at the Government House in Kaduna, included security chiefs and representatives from the affected local government area.
During the session, some individuals from Kajuru reportedly disputed the initial claims, describing the reports of the church worshippers kidnapped as false.
This contradiction, despite preliminary confirmations from police sources, raised doubts and prompted security agencies to exercise caution while further verification was conducted.
The Police explained that the Commissioner’s comments during a media interaction were aimed at preventing panic while facts were being established on the ground.
The Force stressed that his remarks were not an outright denial of the Kaduna abduction, but rather a holding response pending confirmation of the identities and number of victims involved.
“Given the sensitivity of the situation and the conflicting accounts received at the time, the Police deemed it necessary to avoid premature conclusions,” the statement said, adding that misinformation in volatile security situations can worsen fear and hinder rescue efforts.
Following thorough checks by operational units and intelligence teams, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that over 100 worshippers were abducted during the attack.
This confirmation prompted immediate action, with coordinated security operations launched across Kajuru Local Government and surrounding areas.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has since ordered the deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to the affected communities.
These include tactical response units, reinforced patrol teams, intelligence surveillance, and targeted search-and-rescue missions aimed at tracking the kidnappers and safely rescuing the victims.
The Police said the ongoing security operations in Kaduna are being carried out in collaboration with other security agencies, including the military and local intelligence networks, to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Strategic patrols have also been intensified to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
Residents of Kurmin Wali and nearby communities have described the incident as devastating, noting that many families remain traumatized as they await news of their loved ones.
Community leaders have called on the federal and state governments to improve security presence in rural settlements, which they say have become frequent targets for criminal gangs.
Security analysts warn that the Kaduna abduction highlights persistent challenges in policing remote communities, where difficult terrain and limited communication infrastructure often delay response time.
They argue that proactive intelligence gathering and sustained security presence are critical to preventing similar incidents.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that the safety of citizens remains a top priority, urging residents to remain calm while security agencies intensify efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers and restore normalcy to the area.
As investigations continue, the incident has reignited national conversations around insecurity, accountability, and the need for transparent communication from authorities during crises.
Ireport247news
