Barely 24 hours after dismissing the report on the abduction of over 100 worshipers from two churches in Kajuru Local Government of Karuna State, the police have retracted their statement.
Recall that the leadership of the Northern region of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had earlier raised an alarm over the abductions.
According to the association, some suspected terrorists had invaded two Cherubim and Seraphim Churches, 1 and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2 in Kurmin Wali Community, Kajuru LGA.
CAN stated that the suspected terrorists took 163 worshippers away during the attack.
This report was immediately dismissed by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, who said such a claim was being orchestrated by conflict entrepreneurs focused on causing chaos in Kaduna.
However, in a twist of events, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement on Wednesday confirmed that there was an incident of abduction in the said community.
Hundeyin also explained the reasons behind the initial dismissal of the report by the police.
He said, “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,” the FPRO said.
He further noted that 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.
He also said that the Kaduna state commissioner of police’s comment was aimed at preventing undue panic pending the confirmation of fact regarding the incident.
“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,” Hundeyin said.
In addition, he confirmed that intelligence sources have confirmed that the incident occurred and that the police are currently working with other security agencies to determine the location and safe rescue of the victims.
Reaffirming the Force’s committment to the safety of the people, Hundeyin said the Inspector General of Police has since directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
He also appealed to the members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.