Force HQ Confirms Sunday Attack on Kaduna Churches, as CAN Compiles List of 177 Abducted Worshippers

Christian leaders in Kaduna State are insisting that terrorist bandits kidnapped one hundred and seventy people in attacks on at least two churches last Sunday in Kajuru Local Government Area. The Kaduna State Police Command and officials of the Kaduna State Government had denied that such incident happened, and challenged people of the area to provide proof. Responding to the challenge, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend JOSEPH HAYAB, said they have compiled the name of one hundred and seventy-seven people who were abducted in the attack on churches in Kurmin Wali community, in Afogo ward, Kaduna State. Speaking in an interview with a television channel, Reverend HAYAB faulted comments by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, MUHAMMAD RABIU, as well as the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, SULE SHAUIBU, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, DAUDA MADAKI, questioning the abduction of the church worshippers. Meanwhile; the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that there were indeed attacks on churches and the abduction of worshippers at Kurmin Wali community, in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, said the confirmation followed a verification exercise conducted by the police operational units and intelligence sources. CSP HUNDEYIN said the Nigeria Police Force has activated coordinated security operations, working closely with other security agencies, with a clear focus on locating and safely rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area. He further said the Inspector-General of Police, KAYODE EGBETOKUN, directed full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. “These efforts include deployment of tactical units as well as intensified patrols already in place, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.” On the initial comments by senior security and government officials in Kaduna State, including the Commissioner of Police, MUHAMMAD RABIU, during Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the Governor, denying that the incident occurred, the Police spokesman said it was based on reports by some individuals from the affected local government area. “In this context, comments made by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, during a media interaction were intended to prevent unnecessary panic while facts were being confirmed. Those remarks, which have since been widely misinterpreted, were not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected.” The Force PRO appealed to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation, adding that public is encouraged to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid speculation or sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety. “The Force remains fully committed to the safety of all citizens and will continue to provide updates as developments unfold” he assured.