The Kaduna State Police Command has denied reports claiming that over 100 worshippers were abducted in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking after a meeting of the State Security Council, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, described the report as false and misleading, accusing “conflict entrepreneurs” of spreading rumours to destabilise the state. He challenged those behind the claim to produce the names and details of the alleged victims.
Rabiu warned purveyors of false information to desist from actions capable of disrupting the relative peace in the state, stressing that the police would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against anyone found spreading unfounded reports.
Corroborating the police position, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said investigations showed that no such incident occurred. He explained that following the rumour, security operatives were immediately mobilised to Kurmin Wali, the community where the alleged attack was said to have taken place.
“We visited the church where the so-called kidnap occurred and found no evidence of any attack,” Madaki said. “The village head, Mai Dan Zaria, also confirmed that nothing of the sort happened.”
He added that the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, similarly denied the report during an interaction with journalists.
Madaki challenged anyone making the claim to come forward with the names of the alleged victims, noting that no such list had been produced since the story emerged. He alleged that the rumour was sponsored by individuals unhappy with the peace currently being enjoyed in Kajuru.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said religious leaders, including officials of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had engaged residents of the area and confirmed that the report was entirely false.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and promptly report any suspicious movements or misinformation to security agencies.
