Bandits have reportedly released the remaining worshippers abducted during Sunday’s attack on churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Armed men had stormed three churches during worship services, firing sporadically to create panic before abducting congregants and herding them into nearby forests.
At least 177 worshippers were initially reported kidnapped in the coordinated assault, although about 80 later escaped while being taken into the bush and sought refuge in neighbouring communities.
Confirming the development in a telephone interview with The Telegraph on Thursday, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, said he received information early Tuesday that the abducted worshippers had regained their freedom.
“I got the information of their release this morning. They are currently with the government in Kaduna,” he said, adding that he could not provide further details.
Asked whether ransom or motorcycles, reportedly demanded by the bandits were supplied before the release, Dan’azumi said he could not confirm, explaining that he was preparing to travel to Kaduna to meet the victims.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, also confirmed the release.
“Glory be to God, my people are out. We hope to connect with them today. This was through our prayers and the efforts of the government,” he said.
Rev. Caleb said he was not involved in any negotiations with the abductors and could not confirm whether any ransom was paid, stressing that the worshippers’ safe return was the priority. He also praised the Kaduna State Government, saying Governor Uba Sani had shown commitment to protecting lives and property.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed on Wednesday night that the remaining worshippers had been released but said he could not verify the exact number.
A community stakeholder in Kajuru, also speaking anonymously for security reasons, said empty buses and motorcycles were seen late Wednesday night moving into nearby bush areas, allegedly transporting people out.
“I believe those were the motorcycles the bandits earlier demanded, which reportedly went missing during a military operation on their camp,” the source said.
Following the attack, security agencies launched search-and-rescue operations, while local authorities and community leaders worked to account for the abducted worshippers and support affected families.
The incident has once again highlighted persistent banditry and attacks on places of worship in parts of southern Kaduna, particularly in rural communities where residents frequently complain of inadequate security presence.
Kajuru Local Government Area remains one of the flashpoints of bandit activity in Kaduna State, with repeated kidnappings, attacks on religious centres and mass abductions reported in recent years despite ongoing military and police operations.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the release remain sketchy. Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful.
