The Kaduna State Police and local authorities on Monday dismissed reports that over 100 worshippers were abducted during a church service in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the claims as falsehoods spread by mischief-makers seeking to create unrest.
The officials described the reports as false and deliberately circulated by individuals seeking to create panic and disrupt the relative peace in the area. Security operatives who visited the scene found no evidence of any attack, and local leaders confirmed that the congregation remained safe.
Addressing journalists after the State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, challenged anyone to provide the names of the alleged victims or other details, warning that those spreading rumours risk facing the full wrath of the law.
Supporting the police’s position, Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, said security operatives immediately responded to the alleged incident but found no evidence of any attack.
“We visited the church, spoke to the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and the youth leader, Bernard Bona, who both confirmed that no such attack occurred. I challenge anyone to provide the names of the kidnapped individuals, but no one has come forward,” Madaki said.
He further suggested that the rumours may have been sponsored by people dissatisfied with the relative peace Kajuru has enjoyed under the current administration. Residents were urged to remain calm, continue their daily activities, and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
Also weighing in, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shauibu (SAN), said interactions with religious leaders, including the CAN chairman, confirmed that the circulated reports were completely false. He reaffirmed that the Kaduna State Government maintains zero tolerance for criminality.
