The police have confirmed the adoption of 163 worshippers during Sunday service at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State by bandits.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin in a statement issued Tuesday said 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 and not to deny that the incident happened.
He maintained that the Police Force acknowledged the deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident.
Hundeyin added that the Force also understood the fear and anxiety such reports cause to families, residents, and the general public, and treats the safety of every citizen as a matter of utmost priority.
He noted: “Upon receiving the report, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the Governor.
“During the meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the Police, and described it as false.
“This created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification by the Police and other security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter.
“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.
“Subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources has confirmed that the incident did occur.”
Hundeyin explained that the police, therefore, 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 added that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities.
The police spokesperson stressed that these efforts included 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.
The Police, however, appealed to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation. Hundeyin urged the public 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.