Police admit churchgoers were abducted during attacks in Kajuru after initial dismissal, say fresh intelligence prompted clarification.

The Nigeria Police Force has reversed its earlier position and confirmed that worshippers were abducted during an attack on three churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The confirmation was contained in a statement issued late Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, following widespread public criticism over the police’s initial denial of the incident. According to the police, the updated position came after additional verification from operational units and intelligence sources on the ground.

Earlier, Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N) had reported that terrorists stormed several churches in the community while worship services were ongoing, abducting an unspecified number of worshippers. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Reuben Buhari, CSW-N identified the affected churches as Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Albarka Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1, and Haske Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2.

Before the police’s reversal, both the Kaduna State Government and security agencies had disputed the reports. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was challenged to provide evidence of the alleged attack and abductions.

Speaking to journalists on Monday after a security meeting, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, Muhammad Rabiu, described the reports as “falsehood.” Similarly, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, denied that any attack had taken place in the community.

However, in its latest statement, the police explained that conflicting accounts from residents and other individuals in the affected area initially created uncertainty, necessitating further investigation. The Force clarified that its earlier comments were intended to prevent panic while inquiries were ongoing, rather than to outrightly dismiss claims of abduction.

The incident reportedly led Governor Uba Sani to convene an emergency meeting of the Kaduna State Security Council. The police said coordinated efforts are currently underway to rescue the abducted worshippers and restore calm in the area.

According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities. These include intensified patrols, targeted search-and-rescue operations, and enhanced intelligence gathering.

The police urged members of the public and the media to rely on verified official information, warning that unconfirmed reports could spread fear and undermine ongoing security operations.

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