The remaining church members abducted during a violent attack on worship centres in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom.
Armed assailants had stormed three churches in the community during Sunday services, firing shots to create panic before forcefully taking worshippers into nearby forests. Reports indicated that about 177 people were kidnapped during the coordinated assault. While roughly 80 victims managed to escape while being led away and later sought refuge in surrounding villages, others remained in captivity.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed that he received information in the early hours of Tuesday that those still held by the attackers had been released.
According to him, the freed worshippers are currently in Kaduna under government supervision. He added that he was unable to provide further details at the time, as he was preparing to travel to Kaduna to see them.
When questioned about whether ransom payments or motorcycles—allegedly demanded by the kidnappers—were provided before the release, Dan’azumi said he could not confirm such claims.
.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, also confirmed the development, expressing gratitude over the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
“Glory be to God, our people have been released. We hope to meet with them today. This outcome came through prayers and the efforts of the government,” he said.
Rev. Caleb stated that he was not involved in any negotiations and could not confirm whether ransom was paid, noting that the most important issue was the victims’ freedom. He also praised the Kaduna State Government, saying Governor Uba Sani had shown commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
A senior police officer, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the release occurred on Wednesday night but could not provide the exact number of those freed.
Additionally, a community stakeholder in Kajuru reported that empty buses and motorcycles were seen late Wednesday night heading into nearby bush areas, suggesting they may have been used to transport the released victims. The source alleged that the motorcycles might be linked to earlier demands made by the attackers.
Following the attack, security agencies launched search-and-rescue operations, while community leaders and authorities worked to account for all abducted persons and support affected families.
The incident has once again highlighted ongoing security challenges in parts of Southern Kaduna, particularly in rural communities where residents have repeatedly raised concerns about insufficient security presence. Kajuru Local Government Area has remained a hotspot for bandit attacks, kidnappings, and assaults on religious institutions despite continued military and police operations.
As of the time of reporting, official details surrounding the circumstances of the release remain unclear, and attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful.
