IGP deploys DIG operations to Kaduna after church attack kills five, abducts 14

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered a high-level security response to a deadly bandit attack on two churches in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam.

The assault occurred on Saturday, April 5, when armed bandits targeted ECWA and Catholic Churches, firing indiscriminately and leaving five people dead while abducting about 14 others.

In a statement issued Monday by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, the IGP directed Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to deploy immediately.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, has directed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (Operations), DIG Shehu Umar Nadada, to deploy to Kaduna State in response to the recent attack in Ariko Village near Gurara Dam,” the statement read.

DIG Nadada’s team, working with the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services (DSS), swiftly intervened. They rescued seven abducted victims, who were rushed to Katari Hospital for treatment.

“They were taken to Katari Hospital for medical care and are in stable condition, awaiting reunion with their families,” Placid noted.

Operations are ongoing to free the remaining victims and capture the perpetrators.

The IGP “affirms that operations continue to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible.

He urges the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and provide credible information to support ongoing efforts.”