In a major development, all worshippers abducted from churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom almost three weeks after gunmen stormed their places of worship during Sunday services.
According to multiple reports, the victims — including children, women, and adults — were formally received by Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in the state capital on Thursday afternoon. The ceremony was attended by top security officials, community leaders, and representatives of religious groups.
Governor Sani described the return of the abductees as a “day of joy for the state” and said the successful release vindicated the joint efforts of the Kaduna State Government and national security agencies. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his personal involvement, and commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the police, and other intelligence outfits for their collaboration in the operation.
“For us in Kaduna, even one person abducted is unacceptable,” the governor said, emphasising a renewed commitment to strengthen security in the Kurmin Wali area and beyond.
The group of armed assailants attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali on January 18, 2026, abducting worshippers as they attended services. Initial tallies reported 177 people taken, with 11 managing to escape immediately during the assault.
Over subsequent days, additional captives fled their captors and reached neighbouring settlements, but many remained in the forests surrounding the community. In the end, Governor Sani announced that a total of 183 abductees — including earlier escapees — had been reunited with authorities and were brought back to Kaduna for medical checks and psychosocial support before eventual reunification with their families.
Some of the freed worshippers recounted being forced to trek for days through dense forest terrain before their eventual rescue or release.
The Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) praised the release, hailing it as a result of “decisive and compassionate leadership,” and commended both government efforts and prayers from church communities.
The abduction spotlighted persistent security challenges across northern and central Nigeria, where armed gangs regularly target civilians for ransom and leverage mass kidnappings to exert influence and sow fear. Earlier police statements initially denied that any abduction had occurred, prompting criticism from rights groups and community associations that demanded accountability and transparency.
Governor Sani has vowed to continue strengthening security infrastructure, including establishing a permanent military presence along vulnerable corridors and improving community engagement to prevent future attacks.
As of this evening, Kaduna State authorities reported that all freed residents are undergoing health evaluations and trauma counselling before being returned to their homes, marking what officials hope will be a turning point in curbing the cycle of banditry and kidnapping that has affected the region.
Authorities are expected to release a formal list of the freed worshippers soon, along with details of ongoing investigations into the perpetrators and whether any concessions — including ransom or demands — were made during negotiations.
