The Nigeria Police Force has finally confirmed that a mass abduction of worshippers did occur in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following initial denial of the attack.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police acknowledged public concern generated by the reports and stressed that the safety of citizens remains a top priority.
“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,” Hundeyin said. “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.”
He explained that upon receiving the report, the Kaduna State Governor convened a meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Kaduna. However, the situation became unclear when some individuals from the affected local government area challenged the initial account.
“During the meeting, 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 stated. “This created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification by the Police and other security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter.”
Addressing public reactions to comments made earlier by the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, the Force stated that the remarks were misunderstood.
“In this context, 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,” Hundeyin 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.”
He disclosed that subsequent checks by operational units and intelligence sources later confirmed that the abduction did take place.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” the police spokesman said. “The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, activated coordinated security operations, working closely with other security agencies, with a clear focus on locating and safely rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area.”
Hundeyin added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of critical resources to the affected area.
“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 Police appealed to the public and the media to exercise restraint and rely on official information.
“The Nigeria Police Force appeals to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation,” Hundeyin said. “The public is encouraged to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.”
He assured that the Force remains committed to public safety and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.
