The Kaduna State Police Command has firmly denied claims that 163 Christian worshippers were abducted in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, insisting that no such incident occurred and challenging those making the allegations to produce the names and particulars of any victims, even as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the FCT maintained that the worshippers were seized during Sunday services at two Cherubim and Seraphim churches; reacting on Monday, the Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, described the report as a fabrication by conflict entrepreneurs and told journalists after a State Security Council meeting that, “The story is a mere falsehood. Anyone who claims people were kidnapped should come forward with names and particulars,” warning that purveyors of rumours would face the full wrath of the law, a position echoed by Kajuru Local Government Chairman, Mr. Dauda Madaki, who said security agencies visited the area and found no evidence of any attack, adding, “When I heard the rumour, I mobilised the Police and other security forces to Kurmin Wali… and found no trace of any incident,” while noting that the village head and youth leader also confirmed that no abduction took place; reinforcing the police stance, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Sule Shuaibu (SAN), said investigations and engagements with CAN leadership showed that “What was circulated in the public space was completely false,” as authorities urged residents to remain calm and report rumour mongers to security agencies.
