Eighty worshippers who narrowly escaped abduction during a bandit attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have returned safely to their homes.
Village head Ishaku Danazumi confirmed that the returnees fled when armed men stormed the community during a church service on January 18, 2026, abducting several people. He said the worshippers who made it back were unharmed nearly two weeks after the attack.
Despite this, dozens of other residents remain in captivity, with security agencies intensifying efforts to rescue them. Danazumi revealed that while 80 worshippers escaped, 86 others are still being held by the kidnappers.
Authorities credit the safe return of the displaced residents to intensified military operations targeting bandit hideouts in Kajuru and surrounding forest corridors. Kaduna State Police Command spokesman Mansir Hassan noted that the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru visited the community to profile and debrief the returnees.
The attack comes after gunmen abducted more than 100 people from three churches in the state last month. Authorities initially denied the incident following reports from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), but Nigeria Police Force spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin later confirmed it had occurred.
Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali following the attack, assuring residents of the safe return of those abducted. “The people of Kurmin Wali, just like other communities in Kaduna State, have absolute trust and belief in our government. We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna State. I’m glad the people of Kurmin Wali have understood this,” he said.
International authorities and pressure groups have also urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to ensure the remaining abductees are safely returned.
