The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, has dismissed reports claiming that over 100 worshippers were abducted in Kajuru Local Government Area, describing them as falsehoods spread by conflict entrepreneurs seeking to destabilise the state.
Conflicting reports had circulated on Monday alleging that bandits kidnapped more than 100 people during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru on Sunday.
Speaking to reporters after a State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the police commissioner challenged those behind the claims to provide the names and details of the alleged victims. He warned rumour mongers to desist from actions capable of undermining peace in the state, stressing that the law would be enforced against anyone spreading false information.
The Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said that immediately after hearing the reports, he mobilised the police and other security agencies to Kurmin Wali, where no evidence of any attack was found.
He said they visited the church where the alleged kidnap was said to have taken place, adding that the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, confirmed that no such incident occurred. Madaki also said the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, denied that any worshippers were abducted.
Madaki challenged anyone with contrary information to provide the names of the alleged victims, noting that no such list had been produced. He said the rumours appeared to be sponsored by individuals unhappy with the relative peace enjoyed in Kajuru in recent times.
He urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and report suspicious movements or the spread of false information to security agencies.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and other religious leaders had visited the area and confirmed that the reports of the alleged kidnap were untrue. He assured that the Kaduna State Government has zero tolerance for criminality.
