A total of 97 worshippers abducted during a Sunday attack on three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have reportedly regained their freedom following coordinated efforts by security agencies and local authorities.
The victims were held in nearby forested areas after armed assailants stormed the places of worship, firing sporadically to intimidate congregants and forcibly removing them from the premises.
The abduction occurred amid growing insecurity in Southern Kaduna, where residents have repeatedly raised alarms over banditry targeting rural communities and religious institutions.
The large-scale kidnapping, which initially involved 177 worshippers, prompted urgent appeals from community leaders and families, triggering an immediate response from state authorities and security agencies.
However, about 80 worshippers managed to escape while being taken into the bush and later sought refuge in neighboring villages.
Key figures in facilitating the release included the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb.
While details of negotiations remain undisclosed, it was confirmed that the victims were safely reunited with government officials in Kaduna on Tuesday morning.
Speaking on the development, the Village Head said, “I received information early this morning that the abducted worshippers have been released. They are currently with the government in Kaduna.” He, however, declined to provide further details on whether ransom or other demands by the bandits had been met.
Representing the state, Rev. Caleb commended the collaborative efforts of security forces and the Kaduna State Government, noting that Governor Uba Sani had demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting lives and property. He emphasized that the paramount concern was the safe return of the worshippers, irrespective of negotiation details.
Authorities have urged community members to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies regarding suspicious movements or bandit activity.
They stressed that the protection of lives and property is a shared responsibility and reinforced the importance of reporting incidents through official channels.
Security agencies have affirmed their continued engagement in the region to prevent a recurrence of such attacks, warning that further kidnappings or violent actions will be met with decisive operations.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and measures to strengthen security presence in vulnerable communities are being implemented to ensure sustained protection.
