Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Breaks Silence After Terrorists Stormed Church, Kidnapped Worshippers
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the safe rescue of worshippers abducted in Kurmin Wali, a locality in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following the distressing incident in which armed assailants attacked three churches on a Sunday, abducting approximately 167 worshippers during services, the DHQ has intensified military operations alongside other security agencies.
Major General Michael Onoja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized the military’s dedication to ensuring the safe return of all kidnapped individuals, stating that the rescue operation is a priority for the armed forces. This development has elicited numerous concerns from affected communities, prompting a robust response from military and police forces.
The military’s strategy includes conducting intelligence-led operations in the forest areas surrounding Kurmin Wali, considered to be hideouts for the kidnappers. These operations involve ground patrols, surveillance missions, and targeted actions aimed at rescuing the victims while minimizing risks to their safety. Onoja clarified that the military’s approach is methodical and deliberate, aimed at dismantling the criminal networks responsible for the attacks without placing the hostages in jeopardy.
Confusion arose initially following the attacks, as the Kaduna State Police Command dismissed reports of abductions, labeling them as fabrications by “conflict entrepreneurs” and thus seeking to maintain public calm amid ongoing investigations. This denial led to significant backlash from organizations like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and opposition political parties, who criticized the lack of transparency and the apparent failure to protect citizens.
The situation escalated when the Nigeria Police Force eventually confirmed the abductions, explaining that their earlier statement was meant to prevent panic before proper verification could occur. This conflicting information not only caused unease in the affected communities but also highlighted the need for clear communication in crisis management.
In response to these events, the Defence Headquarters urged the public to remain calm and to cooperate with ongoing rescue efforts, emphasizing the importance of restoring peace to the affected regions. This incident has reignited conversations around the safety of worshippers in Nigeria, particularly in areas vulnerable to militant attacks.
Additionally, in a related context, the violence in Nigeria persists, as seen in another incident where Boko Haram terrorists killed a pastor and several civilians in Borno State. These ongoing attacks raise critical questions about the efficacy of security measures, the safety of religious practices, and the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
In summary, the DHQ is actively engaged in rescue operations for the abducted worshippers in Kurmin Wali, with a clear strategy to ensure their safe retrieval while addressing concerns from the public regarding the ongoing violence and safety of religious bonds within the country. The contrasting statements from the police and military have underscored the need for effective communication and coordination among security agencies in Nigeria.
