The Kaduna State Police Command has debunked reports claiming that 163 worshippers were kidnapped in Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the allegation as untrue and misleading.
The State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, dismissed the reports on Monday while speaking to journalists after a State Security Council meeting held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
He challenged those spreading the claims to provide the names and details of the alleged victims.
According to Rabiu, no security agency in the state has any record or evidence to support the reported abduction, warning that the circulation of unverified information could undermine the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said immediate steps were taken to verify the claims after the rumour surfaced.
He explained that security operatives, including the police, were mobilised to Kurmin Wali community, where the alleged incident was said to have occurred.
Madaki said checks carried out in the area, including visits to the churches mentioned in the reports, showed that no attack or kidnapping took place.
“We went to the church where the supposed incident happened and found no evidence of any attack. The village head, Mai Dan Zaria, confirmed that nothing of such occurred,” he said.
He added that the youth leader of the community, Bernard Bona, also denied the claim during an interview with journalists who accompanied the fact-finding team.
“I have repeatedly asked for the names of those allegedly kidnapped, but none has been provided,” Madaki stated, alleging that the rumour may be sponsored by individuals unhappy with the prevailing peace in Kajuru.
READ ALSO: Kaduna Police Confirm Abduction of Veteran Journalist Umar Usman
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm and continue their normal activities, while advising them to report suspicious movements or individuals spreading false information to security agencies.
Earlier on Monday, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. John Hayab, had alleged that worshippers were abducted from two Cherubim and Seraphim churches in Kajuru during Sunday services.
However, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said religious leaders, including CAN officials, later engaged with community members and discovered that the report was unfounded.
Shuaibu reaffirmed the Kaduna State Government’s zero tolerance for criminality and misinformation, assuring residents that security agencies remain vigilant across the state.