The Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu, has dismissed reports alleging the kidnap of over 100 worshippers in Kajuru as false, saying the claims were being spread by individuals he described as conflict entrepreneurs seeking to disrupt peace in the state.
Speaking to reporters after the State Security Council meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Monday, the police commissioner challenged those behind the report to provide the names and details of the alleged victims.
Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu cautioned against the spread of rumours, warning that anyone found deliberately circulating false information would face the full weight of the law.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Dauda Madaki, said security agencies were immediately mobilised to Kurmin Wali after he received reports of an attack, but no evidence was found.
‘’’’We visited the church where the so called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of the attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack.
‘’I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona who was interviewed by the press men that accompanied me, and he said that no such thing happened.
‘’So, I challenge anyone to name the people that were kidnapped and I have been waiting for this list and no one has come forward with a name.
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‘’I believe that the rumour of the kidnap is being sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace that Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration,’’ he added.
Madaki urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities, advising them to report any suspicious movements or individuals spreading rumours to security agencies.
In his response, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shauibu (SAN), said the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chairman and other religious leaders had engaged with residents in the affected area.
‘’They found out that what was pushed out to the public sphere was completely false,’’ he said, assuring that ‘’Kaduna State Government has zero tolerance for criminality.’’