Police Confirm Abduction of Over 100 Worshippers in Kaduna Community
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that more than 100 churchgoers were abducted in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Reports had earlier emerged over the weekend that armed men invaded the community during a church service and forcefully took away worshippers. The development initially sparked confusion after the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, played down the report, stating that no such incident had occurred.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 20, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that further investigations have established that the abduction indeed took place.
According to the police, the incident generated widespread concern among residents and the general public, prompting the Kaduna State Governor to convene an emergency meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House in Kaduna.
During the meeting, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the initial report and described it as false, creating uncertainty around the incident. The police explained that this conflicting information necessitated careful verification by security agencies before making definitive public statements.
The Force clarified that comments earlier made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police during a media briefing were aimed at preventing unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed. The police stressed that the remarks were not a denial of the abduction but a cautious response pending confirmation of details, including the number and identities of the victims.
Following subsequent checks from operational units and intelligence sources, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the abduction occurred, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and security of citizens and ongoing efforts to address the situation.
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