Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that it issued conflicting statements over the reported mass abduction of worshippers in Kaduna State, saying its responses on the abduction were guided by available evidence.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, where 177 worshippers were allegedly kidnapped during an attack.
The Kaduna State Police Command and the state government, had earlier denied the initial report which drew criticisms and caused confusion among the public.
Authorities later confirmed the incident.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a television programme on Wednesday that the Force did not contradict itself, explaining that early statements reflected the absence of verified information.
“There is no inconsistency from the statement coming from the police. The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police said when we received the information, we immediately mobilised to the scene. We are yet to get any evidence as this happened.
“The moment we obtained evidence, we came out to say that we have gotten evidence. So, there is no inconsistency,” Hundeyin explained.
He said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had since ordered the deployment of helicopters for aerial surveillance, alongside additional operational and intelligence resources.
Hundeyin added that tactical units had been dispatched to the area, patrols intensified, and search-and-rescue operations launched to locate the abductees.
