The identities of 177 worshippers abducted during a coordinated attack on churches in Kaduna State have now emerged, confirming the scale of the violence that has shaken Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area.
Gunmen reportedly stormed three churches in the community on Sunday morning while worshippers were attending service. The affected churches include ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Churches 1 and 2). Residents said the attackers arrived around 11:25 a.m. and abducted large numbers of people, including women, children and the elderly.
The attack came barely a week after the same community allegedly paid ₦2.6 million to secure the release of 20 residents kidnapped earlier, deepening fear and uncertainty among locals.
Initially, the Kaduna State Police Command dismissed reports of the abduction, describing them as false and asking those making the claims to provide the names of the victims. However, a later police situation report confirmed that armed men did invade the churches and abduct worshippers, although the exact number was not immediately stated.
Police explained that access to Kurmin Wali was difficult due to poor road conditions and its closeness to forested areas, but said rescue operations had begun in collaboration with other security agencies and the military.
Human rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria also insisted the abductions took place, alleging that its team was prevented from entering the community during a fact-finding visit.
On Wednesday, a detailed list containing the names of 177 abducted worshippers surfaced. An analysis of the list shows that entire families were taken during the raid, leaving the agrarian community traumatised and nearly deserted as residents fled in fear.
Some of the hardest-hit families reportedly lost between five and 13 members each. The victims include children as young as six and elderly people up to 71 years old, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack.
Community sources say Kurmin Wali remains tense, with many residents afraid to return home, while families of the abducted continue to appeal for urgent action to secure the release of their loved ones.
