Eighty worshippers who escaped during a bandit attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have returned home after spending weeks in hiding.
However, dozens of others are still being held by the attackers as security forces continue rescue operations.
The village head, Ishaku Danazumi, said the returnees fled when armed men invaded the community during a church service on January 18, abducting several people and forcing others to scatter for safety.
According to him, those who returned appeared healthy despite the ordeal and made their way back nearly two weeks after the attack.
Danazumi added that while 80 worshippers managed to escape, at least 86 others remain in captivity.
Security sources linked the return of the displaced residents to intensified military offensives targeting bandit hideouts in Kajuru and surrounding forest areas.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer visited the community, met the victims, and carried out profiling and debriefing.
The latest development comes weeks after gunmen abducted more than 100 people in coordinated attacks on three churches in the area.
Authorities initially disputed reports of the incident after the Christian Association of Nigeria raised the alarm but later acknowledged that the abductions occurred.
Governor Uba Sani has since visited the community, assuring residents that the government is working to secure the release of those still held and reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives regardless of religious or ethnic background.
International groups and foreign partners have also urged swift action to ensure the safe return of the remaining captives.
