Prosper Okoye
Nigerian police have confirmed that a mass abduction took place in a remote community in Kaduna state, reversing earlier statements that had dismissed reports of the incident as false.
In a statement issued late on Tuesday, the Nigeria Police Force said the abduction occurred in Kurmin Wali, in Kajuru Local Government Area, following what it described as days of conflicting accounts and verification challenges.
The police spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said public confusion arose after preliminary reports were disputed during an emergency meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council, convened by the state governor.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has now confirmed that the incident did occur,” Mr Hundeyin said.
Conflicting Early Accounts
According to the police, some representatives from the affected local government had challenged initial reports of a mass abduction, describing them as inaccurate. This, the force said, led to cautious public communication while field reports were being verified.
The police added that comments earlier made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police were intended to prevent panic during the verification process, but were widely interpreted as a denial that any abduction had taken place.
Those earlier remarks had drawn criticism after officials insisted there was no evidence that more than 100 worshippers had been abducted by gunmen in the area.
Rescue Operations Launched
Following confirmation of the incident, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units to Kajuru and neighbouring communities.
The police said security operations were now under way, including intensified patrols, search-and-rescue missions and intelligence-led operations aimed at locating the victims and restoring calm.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold,” Mr Hundeyin said.
He also urged the public and the media to rely on official sources for verified information, warning that speculation could jeopardise rescue efforts and increase public fear.
Earlier Denials
Before the police reversal, Kaduna state officials had strongly rejected claims of a mass abduction.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, had described the reports as “mere falsehood”, accusing unnamed “conflict entrepreneurs” of attempting to destabilise the state. He challenged those making the claims to provide names of the alleged victims and warned that those spreading rumours would face legal action.
The chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, had also said security officials found no evidence of an attack during visits to Kurmin Wali, citing assurances from the village head and youth leaders.
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Similarly, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu, said consultations with religious leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria, suggested the reports were untrue.
The police’s latest confirmation has now overturned those earlier denials, renewing concerns about security in parts of Kaduna state and placing fresh attention on the ongoing rescue operations in Kajuru.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
