In response to a recent abduction incident in Kaduna State, the Nigerian Police Force has refuted reports that suggest there is a discrepancy in police communication.
Over 100 people are alleged to have been taken during the attack in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to reports that surfaced on Sunday.
The authorities later changed their position, admitting that the incident “did occur” and that many people were abducted, after initially denying the police’s initial denial.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated in an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today that the communication made available to the public had no discrepancies.
He claimed that he immediately dispatched operatives to the attack’s location once the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, learned of the report.
Hundeyin remarked, “The statement coming from the police is not inconsistent.”
The (Kaduna State) Police Commissioner stated that the incident occurred when we mobilized immediately after receiving the information and that we are still waiting for any evidence.
We also said, “We came out when we received evidence. There is no contradiction, therefore.
Northern CAN Rebuke Security Organizations For Dismissing Kaduna Abductions.
He made it known that Kayode Egbetokun, the police inspector general, had ordered the deployment of police helicopters for air surveillance.
Additionally, the IGP has deployed additional intelligence and operational resources there.
The police claimed that tactical units, increased patrols, and targeted search-and-rescue operations are part of the plan.
The police made a warning to the public and the media that sensational reporting could “dilute ongoing operations or raise public anxiety.”
CAN Requests Rescue
The Kurmin Wali community’s security organizations were earlier accused of abducting worshippers by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
CAN expressed concern over what it termed as poor public communication by the security agencies in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.
The association claimed that the initial response lacked thoroughness and sensitivity, noting that the lack of proper investigation led to confusion and furthered public distrust of the authorities.
CAN applauded the Inspector-General of Police for deploying operational and intelligence resources to the affected area and forewarned the subsequent confirmation of the abduction, and they both called for and welcomed the action.
However, the association argued that in the future, such measures should be accompanied by a more disciplined and people-focused method of crisis communication.
It called on all security organizations and relevant authorities to improve coordination, enhance verification procedures, and give credible community reports the care they deserve.
Victims must be safeguarded, genuine distress calls must be handled, and misinformation, whether it is sensational or not, must be avoided, CAN say.
The association also warned that repeated attacks continue to threaten lives, stifle worship, and undermine public confidence by calling on all levels of government to address the country’s persistent insecurity with renewed urgency.
CAN make an appeal for all those abducted’s immediate and unrestricted release, wishing them a safe and unharmed return.
Source: Channels TV
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