The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that a mass abduction took place in Kurmin Wali, a community in Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, days after the state command had publicly denied any such incident.
The confirmation follows mounting pressure from church leaders and civil society organisations, who had earlier reported that over 160 worshippers were abducted during Sunday services last week, including congregants from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church.
At the time, the Kaduna State Police Command dismissed the reports, stating that there was no verifiable evidence of an attack or missing persons.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that the initial denial stemmed from conflicting accounts presented during a Kaduna State Security Council meeting.
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According to Hundeyin, some local representatives had disputed the abduction claims, prompting the Police to undertake further verification.
Subsequent investigations by operational units and intelligence operatives have now confirmed that the abduction did occur.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, and sustained patrols across Kajuru and neighbouring communities.
The Police say the operations are focused on rescuing the abducted individuals and restoring calm to the area.
Authorities have yet to release an official figure of those taken, saying that efforts are ongoing to reconcile the number and identities of the victims.
Also, the Force has urged the public and media outlets to rely on verified updates as the situation unfolds.
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