By Abiola Olawale
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has U-turn about the abduction incident did take place at Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of uncertainty and conflicting reports.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police confirmed the abduction of the churchgoers in Kaduna State.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur,” he said.
According to the Force, some individuals from the affected local government area described the report as false, creating uncertainty and the need for further verification by security agencies.
The police explained that comments earlier made by the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, which were widely interpreted as a denial, were in fact aimed at preventing public panic while details were being confirmed.
He, however, said subsequent checks by operational units and intelligence sources confirmed the abduction.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
The police say tactical units have been deployed, patrols intensified, and targeted search-and-rescue operations are underway to locate and safely rescue the victims, while restoring calm to the area.
