The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that bandits attacked churches in Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting more than 100 worshippers.
The confirmation comes after the Kaduna State Police Command earlier dismissed reports of the incident as fake news. On Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, while addressing journalists after a security meeting at the Government House, challenged those making the claims to provide the names and details of the alleged victims.
However, fresh details of the attack, including the identities of those abducted, emerged on Tuesday, contradicting the earlier denial.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, acknowledged that the attacks did occur. He explained that the initial comments by the Commissioner of Police were aimed at preventing panic while security agencies verified the facts.
Hundeyin said the remarks 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.”
He added that subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources confirmed the attack, prompting the police to activate coordinated security operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
“The focus is on locating and safely rescuing the victims and restoring calm to the area,” the statement said.
