The Kaduna State command of the Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that over 100 worshippers were abducted by bandits during a church service in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state, describing the story as false and deliberately concocted to stir panic.
It was reported earlier on Monday, January 19, that the worshippers were kidnapped at Kurmin Wali village during a church service on Sunday.
However, speaking to journalists after the State Security Council meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, described the report as a falsehood being peddled by what he termed “conflict entrepreneurs.”
Rabiu challenged those behind the claim to produce verifiable details of the alleged victims.
“I challenge anyone making this claim to provide the names of the kidnapped persons and other relevant particulars,” the police boss said.
He warned rumour mongers to desist from attempts to undermine the prevailing peace in the state.
“Anyone found spreading such falsehood with the intention of causing chaos will face the full wrath of the law,” Rabiu added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said he immediately mobilised security agencies to the community upon hearing the report, only to discover that no such incident had occurred.
“When we heard about the so-called attack, I mobilised the police and other security agencies to Kurmin Wali. We visited the church where the kidnap allegedly took place, and there was no evidence of any attack,” Madaki said.
He added that traditional and youth leaders in the area also denied knowledge of any kidnapping.
“I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he confirmed that no such attack occurred,” he said.
“I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, who spoke to the press team that accompanied me, and he said that nothing of the sort happened.”
Madaki further challenged those spreading the report to come forward with concrete proof.
“So, I challenge anyone to provide the names of the kidnapped individuals. I have been waiting for this list, but no one has come forward,” he said.
According to him, the rumour may have been sponsored by individuals displeased with the relative calm in Kajuru.
“I believe the rumour of the kidnap is being sponsored by people who are unhappy with the relative peace Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration,” he added.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, while reporting suspicious movements or rumour mongers to security agencies.
In his reaction, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said religious leaders, including the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, had visited the community to verify the claims.
“They interacted with the people of the area and found that what was circulated to the public was completely false,” Shuaibu said.
He assured residents that “the Kaduna State Government has zero tolerance for criminality,” stressing that security agencies remain vigilant across the state.