The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that an abduction incident indeed occurred at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following what it described as “thorough verification and intelligence assessments.”
The confirmation comes amid controversy generated by earlier statements from some government officials who had initially denied that any kidnapping took place in the area.
On Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, alongside the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu, and the Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, had told journalists that no kidnapping occurred in Ungwan Wali.
However, community and religious leaders, including the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, and the President of the Adara Development Association (ADA), Sabastine Barde, strongly disputed the claim.
They alleged that no fewer than 177 people were abducted during attacks on Sunday, adding that only a few residents managed to escape.
The leaders insisted they had names of those kidnapped, contradicting official assurances.
Police explain earlier statements
In a press statement issued Tuesday night and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police acknowledged the confusion and public anxiety triggered by the conflicting reports.
According to the statement, the Kaduna State Governor convened an emergency meeting of the State Security Council after the initial report of the abduction.
“During the meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the police, calling it false,” the statement read.
“This disagreement created uncertainty and underscored the need for caution and detailed verification by security agencies before issuing definitive public statements.”
The police clarified that comments earlier made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police were intended to prevent panic, not to dismiss the incident.
“The remarks, which were later misinterpreted by sections of the public, were not a denial of the incident but a preliminary response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the number and identities of those affected,” Hundeyin stated.
He added that subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources has now confirmed that the abduction did take place.
Following the confirmation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
The measures include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and reinforced protection of lives and property.
The police appealed to residents and the media to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
The Force urged reliance on official police communications for verified information and warned against speculation and sensational reporting, noting that such actions could undermine rescue efforts and heighten public fear.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will provide timely updates as the situation develops,” the statement concluded.