The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, has dismissed reports alleging the abduction of over 100 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area, describing them as falsehoods being spread by what he termed “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to destabilise the state.
Conflicting reports circulated on Monday claimed that bandits had kidnapped more than 100 people during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru on Sunday.
Addressing journalists after a State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, Rabiu challenged those making the claims to produce the names and details of the alleged victims, insisting that no such incident occurred.
He warned rumour mongers to desist from actions capable of undermining the relative peace in Kaduna State, adding that security agencies would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against those spreading false information.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said he immediately mobilised the police and other security agencies to Kurmin Wali after hearing the report, but found no evidence of any attack or abduction.
“We visited the church where the alleged kidnap took place, and there was no sign of an attack,” Madaki said. “The village head, Mai Dan Zaria, confirmed that nothing happened. I also spoke with the youth leader, Bernard Bona, who stated clearly that no such incident occurred.”
Madaki said no list of victims had been provided despite repeated calls, adding that the rumour appeared to be sponsored by individuals displeased with the peace Kajuru has enjoyed under the current administration.
He urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and promptly report suspicious movements or the spread of rumours to security agencies.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said investigations by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman and other religious leaders in the area also confirmed that the report was entirely false.
He reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s zero tolerance for criminality and misinformation.
