The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the abduction of over 100 worshippers in Kaduna State, reversing its position 24 hours after dismissing reports of the incident as false.
The attack occurred on Sunday in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly invaded three churches and kidnapped approximately 167 persons.
On Monday, the Kaduna State Police Command had labelled the reports a fabrication by "conflict entrepreneurs." State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, publicly challenged sources to provide victims' details, asserting no official record of the abductions existed.
This denial was contested by human rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide-Nigeria (CSW-N), which insisted the kidnappings were real and accused security forces of blocking independent verification attempts.
In a statement on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin clarified the earlier contradiction. He explained that initial remarks from the police commissioner, made after a state security council meeting, were intended to prevent public panic while verification was ongoing and were not a final denial.
"Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur," Hundeyin stated.
Following the confirmation, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of tactical units and intelligence assets to the area. The operation includes intensified patrols and targeted search-and-rescue missions.
The police have urged the public to rely on official channels for information and avoid speculation that could hinder the rescue efforts.
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