The Nigeria Police Force has said it is still compiling the names of victims abducted during the recent mass kidnapping in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Hundeyin said the police were actively investigating the incident and would update Nigerians as soon as more details were verified.
“We are still collating names, but we have an estimate. This is an investigation that is actively ongoing,” he said.
“It’s not like we have CCTV cameras in that place that can tell us exactly what happened. The moment we have further information, we will update Nigerians.”
He confirmed that the abduction did take place and assured the public that the police had deployed significant resources to the area.
“For emphasis, we can confirm that the incident happened and we have deployed all our resources there,” Hundeyin added.
The police spokesman revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the deployment of a police helicopter for aerial surveillance of the affected communities.
“In fact, today we mobilised one of our helicopters to go there for air surveillance. That’s how seriously we are taking it,” he said.
He added that the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, personally visited the area to supervise operations.
“The IGP gave that directive this morning. Also, the Commissioner of Police had to go there himself,” Hundeyin stated.
Police dismiss claims of conflicting statements
Hundeyin also dismissed allegations that the police gave contradictory accounts regarding the abduction.
Reports had earlier claimed that more than 100 worshippers were kidnapped during attacks on churches in the area, with initial police statements saying there was no evidence to support the claims before later confirmation.
“There is no inconsistency from the statements coming from the police,” Hundeyin said.
“The Commissioner of Police said that when we received the information, we immediately mobilised to the area and at that time we were yet to get evidence that it happened.
“The moment we got evidence, we came out to say that we had gotten evidence.”
According to the police, the response includes the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols and targeted search-and-rescue operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
Hundeyin urged the public and the media to rely on official police updates, warning that unverified reports could undermine ongoing operations.
“We appeal to the public and the media to rely on official channels for verified information, as speculation and sensational reports can jeopardise operations and heighten public anxiety,” he said.