Kaduna Abduction: Police Finally Acknowledge Attack On Churches
Police Reverse Earlier Position
THE Nigeria Police Force has admitted that a mass abduction of worshippers did occur in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, barely 24 hours after dismissing reports of the incident as false. The reversal followed widespread public condemnation of the police’s initial denial and mounting pressure from civil society and religious organisations.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night by police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, the force confirmed that terrorists attacked the community on Sunday 18 January, and kidnapped many residents who were attending church services.
Details of the Attack
According to multiple accounts, gunmen, commonly referred to as bandits, stormed Kurmin Wali while worship was ongoing in three churches. The affected churches were identified as Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Albarka Cherubim and Seraphim 1, and Haske Cherubim and Seraphim 2.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) stated that at least 172 worshippers were abducted during the coordinated assault. CAN added that nine of the victims later escaped, while the remaining captives were forced into nearby forests.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N) corroborated the account, noting that the attack was carried out simultaneously during Sunday services, heightening panic and confusion among worshippers.
Initial Denial Sparks Controversy
Despite these reports, both the Kaduna State Government and the police initially denied that any abduction took place. Speaking to journalists on Monday after a security meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna, Muhammad Rabiu, described the reports as “falsehoods being peddled by conflict entrepreneurs seeking to destabilise the state.”
Similarly, the Chairperson of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, dismissed the claims, citing information from local authorities.
These denials triggered outrage, with religious groups and rights organisations accusing authorities of downplaying insecurity and discrediting victims.
Police Explain Reversal
In the Tuesday night statement, the police said their updated position followed fresh verification from operational units and intelligence sources. According to Hundeyin, conflicting accounts from community members had initially created uncertainty, prompting caution in public communication.
The police explained that although the abduction had been earlier confirmed internally, inconsistent field reports led security agencies to delay making a conclusive public announcement.
They stressed that the comments made by the Commissioner of Police were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while investigations were ongoing, not to deny the incident.
Government Response and Security Measures
The admission came after Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani convened an emergency meeting of the State Security Council at the Government House. The police said the incident generated widespread fear and anxiety, necessitating urgent intervention.
Following directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, additional operational and intelligence assets have been deployed to Kajuru and surrounding areas. These include tactical units, intensified patrols, and targeted search-and-rescue operations.
Appeal to the Public
The police appealed to citizens and the media to rely on official channels for verified information, warning that sensational reporting could compromise rescue efforts or heighten public anxiety.
Meanwhile, families of the abducted worshippers continue to await updates as security forces intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore calm to the troubled community.
