The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, has debunked claims that over 100 worshippers were abducted during a church service in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the reports as false and aimed at stirring unrest.
Conflicting accounts had circulated on Monday alleging that bandits stormed the church and kidnapped more than 100 people. But speaking after a State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Rabiu challenged anyone to provide names or details of the supposed victims. He warned rumour peddlers to desist, stressing that the law would deal firmly with those spreading misinformation.
Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Dauda Madaki, also dismissed the reports. He said he mobilised police and security agents to the area immediately after hearing of the alleged attack, only to find no evidence of any incident. “We visited the church where the so-called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of any attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he confirmed that no such attack occurred. I also called the youth leader, Bernard Bona, and he said nothing of the sort happened,” Madaki explained.
He added: “So, I challenge anyone to provide the names of the kidnapped individuals. I have been waiting for this list, but no one has come forward. I believe the rumour is being sponsored by people unhappy with the relative peace Kajuru has enjoyed under this administration.”
Madaki urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and report suspicious movements or rumour mongers to security agencies.
The Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shauibu (SAN), confirmed that religious leaders, including the CAN chairman, had spoken with locals in the area and found the reports to be baseless. “They found out that what was circulated to the public was completely false,” he said, assuring that the Kaduna State Government maintains “zero tolerance for criminality.”
