The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the abduction of more than 100 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, reversing an earlier denial issued less than 24 hours after the incident.

According to police authorities, armed gunmen attacked three churches in the community on Sunday, storming the worship centres during services and abducting a large number of congregants. Initial reports from residents and community leaders had put the number of abducted worshippers at about 167, claims the police initially dismissed as false.

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However, in a subsequent statement, the NPF acknowledged that the attack did occur and confirmed that over 100 churchgoers were forcibly taken away by the assailants.

Residents of Kurmin Wali said the attackers arrived in large numbers, firing sporadically to instill fear before herding worshippers into the surrounding forests. The attack reportedly lasted for several hours, leaving the community traumatised and deserted.

Following public outrage and pressure from civil society groups, the police admitted the abduction and disclosed that security operatives, including the military and local vigilantes, have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims.

The Kaduna State Police Command said investigations were ongoing and assured the public that efforts were being intensified to dismantle criminal networks operating in Kajuru and neighbouring areas.

The incident has once again raised concerns over persistent insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, particularly attacks on rural communities and places of worship, despite repeated assurances by security agencies.

As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and families of the victims continue to appeal to the government for swift action to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.