Kaduna Police Confirm Abduction of Worshippers and Deploy Tactical Forces

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that churches in Kurmin Wali, a remote locality within the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were attacked recently.

Reports from Daily Trust indicated that more than 100 worshippers were kidnapped during this incident over the weekend.

However, both police and governmental officials initially refuted claims of the occurrence, prompting considerable public outcry.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin remarked that the situation raised doubts after some residents of the affected region challenged initial reports during a gathering of the Kaduna State Security Council, which was called by Governor Uba Sani at the State Government House in Kaduna.

Hundeyin noted that this assembly happened soon after the police received the first report concerning the abductions.

According to the police, the differing accounts highlighted the necessity for caution and thorough fact-checking before any definitive statements are made publicly on sensitive issues.

He clarified that remarks made by the Police Commissioner of Kaduna State during a media event aimed to quell public anxiety while investigations were actively in progress and were not meant to deny the abduction.

"Further verification from operational units along with intelligence gathering has validated that the incident did indeed take place," affirmed the police.

In light of this confirmation, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a comprehensive deployment of essential operational and intelligence resources to Kajuru and the neighboring communities.

The strategies being implemented encompass the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, and focused search-and-rescue operations designed to locate and safely bring the abducted individuals back, while also restoring peace to the area.

The police have urged the public and media representatives to remain patient and to collaborate with security agencies by relying on official statements for verified details, discouraging speculation or sensational reporting which could potentially disrupt ongoing efforts.