The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, has dismissed reports alleging that more than 100 worshippers were abducted in Kajuru Local Government Area, describing the claim as a deliberate falsehood spread by what he called conflict entrepreneurs bent on stirring unrest in the state.
Reports circulating on Monday alleged that bandits stormed a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru on Sunday and kidnapped over 100 people.
Speaking to journalists after the State Security Council meeting held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the Commissioner of Police challenged those behind the reports to produce the names and details of the supposed victims.
He cautioned individuals he labelled as rumour peddlers to stop undermining the peace currently enjoyed in Kaduna State, warning that security agencies would apply the full weight of the law against anyone found spreading false information capable of causing panic or instability.
Corroborating the police position, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said he immediately mobilised security personnel to Kurmin Wali after hearing about the alleged incident, only to discover that no such attack had taken place.
“We visited the church where the so-called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of any attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he confirmed that no such attack occurred,” Madaki said.
He added, “I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, who was interviewed by the press team that accompanied me, and he said that nothing of the sort happened. So, I challenge anyone to provide the names of the kidnapped individuals. I have been waiting for this list, but no one has come forward.”
Madaki expressed the view that the rumour was being fuelled by individuals displeased with the calm Kajuru has witnessed under the current administration. He urged residents to remain calm, continue with their legitimate activities, and promptly report any suspicious actions or rumour merchants to security operatives.
Also reacting, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shauibu (SAN), said the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria and other religious figures had engaged with residents in the affected community. “They found out that what was circulated to the public was completely false,” he said, while reaffirming that “Kaduna State Government has zero tolerance for criminality.”
What you should know
The Kaduna State Government and security agencies have jointly refuted claims of a mass kidnap in Kajuru, insisting that investigations on the ground found no evidence of any attack.
Officials say the incident highlights the dangers of misinformation in a fragile security environment, where unverified reports can easily fuel fear and tension.
Authorities are urging residents and the media to rely on verified sources and to report security concerns through proper channels, stressing that maintaining peace requires collective responsibility and accurate information sharing across communities.
