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The Nigeria Police Force has formally confirmed the abduction of 172 Christians by Islamic terrorists in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following days of public confusion, contradictory statements, and mounting criticism over an apparent initial attempt to downplay the incident.
The confirmation came through an official press statement issued by the Force Headquarters in Abuja and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. The statement acknowledged that earlier communications from the Kaduna State Police Command created uncertainty after reports of the mass abduction were first disputed at a high-level security meeting convened by the Kaduna State Government.
The development has renewed scrutiny of security communications in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions and intensified concerns over the persistent targeting of Christian communities in parts of the country’s northwest.
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Ejes Gist News reports that the police admission followed internal verification by operational units and intelligence sources, which confirmed that the abduction incident did occur as initially reported by local communities and church sources.
Background to the Kurmin Wali Abduction
Kurmin Wali is a remote rural settlement in Kajuru Local Government Area, a region that has experienced repeated attacks attributed to armed groups described by residents and local leaders as Islamist terrorists. The area has been the site of several mass kidnappings and violent raids over the past decade, often targeting Christian villages.
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Initial reports from the community indicated that armed men stormed Kurmin Wali during church activities, abducting worshippers from multiple congregations. Community leaders and church officials reported that women, children, and elderly persons were among those taken.
Early estimates placed the number of abducted persons at 172. These figures circulated widely in local and international media, prompting public outrage and calls for urgent security intervention.
Conflicting Official Responses and Public Confusion
Despite the gravity of the reports, official confirmation from security authorities was not immediate. According to the police statement, the Kaduna State Security Council was convened by the state governor shortly after the incident was reported.
During the meeting at the Government House in Kaduna, some individuals identified as representatives from the affected local government area reportedly disputed the abduction figures and described the reports as false. This disagreement introduced uncertainty into the official response and led to a pause in definitive public confirmation by security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State later made comments during a media interaction that were widely interpreted as a denial of the abduction. Those remarks drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, Christian organizations, and residents, who accused the police of attempting to suppress or minimize the scale of the attack.
Police Explanation for Initial Statements
In its formal clarification, the Nigeria Police Force stated that the remarks attributed to the Commissioner of Police were intended to prevent panic while verification was ongoing.
According to the Force, the comments 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.”
The statement emphasized that the sensitive nature of mass abduction incidents requires thorough verification to avoid misinformation, particularly in volatile security environments where unverified claims can escalate fear and tension.
However, the admission that the abduction did occur has reinforced public perception that initial police communications were inconsistent and poorly managed.
Confirmation of the Abduction
Following subsequent verification by operational units and intelligence sources, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the incident at Kurmin Wali did take place.
The Force disclosed that coordinated security operations were immediately activated after confirmation, with a focus on locating the abducted victims, ensuring their safe rescue, and restoring calm to the affected area.
The confirmation effectively reversed earlier impressions that the reports were exaggerated or false and aligned official accounts with those provided by community members and religious leaders from the outset.
Deployment of Security Assets
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
According to the police statement, these measures include the deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and proactive security measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
The police also confirmed that they are working in coordination with other security agencies as part of a broader inter-agency response to the incident.
Kaduna’s Security Context
Kaduna State, particularly its southern axis, has long been a flashpoint for communal violence, religiously motivated attacks, and mass kidnappings. Kajuru Local Government Area has repeatedly featured in reports of attacks on Christian communities, with residents often alleging that assailants selectively target churches and Christian settlements.
Security analysts have attributed the persistence of violence in the area to a combination of rugged terrain, limited security presence, and the activities of armed groups operating across state boundaries.
Despite repeated military and police operations, residents continue to report attacks, kidnappings, and displacement, raising questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of current security strategies.
Impact on Christian Communities
Christian leaders in southern Kaduna have described the Kurmin Wali abduction as part of a broader pattern of targeted violence. They argue that repeated attacks on churches and Christian villages have created an atmosphere of fear and displacement, forcing many families to abandon their homes.
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Community representatives say the psychological impact of mass abductions extends beyond the immediate victims, undermining trust in security institutions and weakening social cohesion.
Religious organizations have called for transparent investigations, sustained security deployments, and accountability for both perpetrators and officials responsible for security lapses.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The police appeal for patience and cooperation has been met with mixed reactions. While some stakeholders acknowledge the need for careful verification in security reporting, others argue that delayed or contradictory statements erode public confidence.
Media analysts note that timely, clear, and consistent communication is critical during security crises, particularly in regions with a history of violence and mistrust between communities and authorities.
Civil society groups have urged the Nigeria Police Force to review its crisis communication protocols to ensure that accurate information is released promptly without compromising ongoing operations.
Ongoing Rescue Operations
While the police have not disclosed specific operational details, they confirmed that search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing in Kajuru and neighboring areas.
Security sources say such operations typically involve ground patrols, aerial surveillance, and coordination with local vigilante groups familiar with the terrain. However, officials caution that disclosing tactical details could endanger both victims and security personnel.
Families of the abducted persons continue to await updates on the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones.
