By Desire Emmanuel
After its initial denial, the Nigeria Police Force has recanted, confirming that an abduction incident occurred at Kurmin Wali, a community in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following thorough verification and intelligence assessments.
The confirmation came after the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, the commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, and a Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, had said on Monday that no kidnapping occurred in Ungwan Wali.
But the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend John Hayab, the President of Adara Development Association (ADA), Sabastine Barde and other leaders from the area said over 160 worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday while a few escaped. The leaders said they had the names of the people who were kidnapped.
However, the Nigeria Police Force, in a press statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Tuesday night, confirmed the abduction but was silent on the number of those kidnapped.
The statement reads: “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 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.
“Upon receiving the report, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the governor.
“During the meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the police, and described it as false. 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.
“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. 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.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur. 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.
“The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. These efforts include deployment of tactical units as well as intensified patrols already in place, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.
“The Nigeria Police Force appeals to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation. 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.
“The force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.”
