Nigeria Police Deny Reports of Mass Kidnapping of Worshippers in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that more than 100 worshippers were abducted during a church service in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, said the reports were being circulated by what he termed “conflict entrepreneurs” seeking to incite fear and destabilise the state. He challenged those behind the allegations to provide verifiable details, including the names and identities of the purported victims.

Rabiu warned that individuals spreading unverified information could face legal consequences, stressing that the police would not tolerate actions capable of undermining the relative peace in Kaduna State.

The Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, also refuted the claims, stating that security forces were immediately mobilised to Kurmin Wali village after the reports emerged. According to him, no evidence of an attack or abduction was found.

Madaki urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities, while encouraging them to report any suspicious movements or individuals spreading false information to security agencies.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said religious leaders, including representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had engaged with community members in the area where the alleged incident was said to have occurred. He added that their findings did not support claims of a mass kidnapping.

Conflicting reports had circulated earlier on Monday, alleging that bandits abducted more than 100 people during a church service in Kurmin Wali village on Sunday. Authorities insist that investigations so far have found no basis for the claims.