{"id":97280,"date":"2026-01-21T09:27:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T09:27:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/?p=97280"},"modified":"2026-01-21T09:58:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T09:58:03","slug":"survivor-narrates-the-horror-of-kidnapped-christians-in-kajuru-as-police-reverse-earlier-denial","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/?p=97280","title":{"rendered":"Survivor narrates the horror of kidnapped Christians in Kajuru as Police reverse earlier denial"},"content":{"rendered":"

What began as a quiet Sunday of worship on 18 January quickly turned into one of the most traumatic mass abduction incidents in recent Nigerian history. In Kurmin Wali, a rural community in <\/span>Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State<\/b><\/span>, armed men stormed\u00a0<\/span>three churches simultaneously<\/i><\/span>, seized scores of worshippers and marched them into nearby bushes \u2014 an attack that has sent shockwaves through the region and strained trust between communities and security forces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The raid \u2014 which eyewitnesses and community leaders describe in harrowing detail \u2014 occurred during mid-morning services at an\u00a0<\/span>Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)<\/b><\/span>\u00a0congregation and two Cherubim and Seraphim churches. Local sources and church officials now say that as many as\u00a0<\/span>177 worshippers were abducted<\/b><\/span>, although numbers vary slightly between reports.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the immediate aftermath of the attack,\u00a0<\/span>Kaduna State Police Commissioner Alhaji Muhammad Rabiu publicly dismissed claims of a mass kidnapping<\/b><\/span>, describing them as \u201crumours\u201d and the work of \u201cconflict entrepreneurs\u201d intent on sowing discord. He challenged critics to produce names and details of victims, stating that neither police nor local authorities had found evidence of an attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Kaduna State Government<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That position changed dramatically within 48 hours. In a Tuesday statement, the Nigeria Police Force <\/span>reversed course and confirmed that a mass abduction had occurred<\/b><\/span>, acknowledging that many Christians were taken during the coordinated assault. The force\u2019s public relations officer said further verification from ground units and intelligence sources made clear that the kidnappings were real, prompting deployment of tactical and rescue units to the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inspector-General of Police\u00a0<\/span>Kayode Egbetokun<\/b><\/span>\u00a0ordered intensified patrols, search-and-rescue operations, and coordination with other security agencies to locate and safely liberate the victims.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Survivor Accounts Paint a Grim Picture<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Among those who survived the ordeal was a worshipper who spoke to journalists wearing a\u00a0<\/span>yellow jersey<\/b><\/span>, recounting the moment the attackers struck:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were in the church when we heard noise from outside,\u201d<\/i><\/span>\u00a0he recalled.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cI stepped out and saw four armed men. I lifted my little daughter and wanted to run, but one of them said if I run he will shoot me\u2026\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

He described how the assailants forced congregants out of the church buildings, herded them together, and\u00a0<\/span>marched them into the surrounding forests<\/i><\/span>. The journey was brutal \u2014 survivors said they were beaten and pushed through dense bushes. It was only amidst the confusion at another village deep in the forest that the man found an opportunity to escape and return home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Local Christian leaders, including representatives of the\u00a0<\/span>Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)<\/b><\/span>\u00a0in northern Nigeria, have insisted the abductions were real and grave in scale, with multiple church communities affected. They released lists of names they say correspond to the victims and have sharply criticised the initial denial by authorities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Human rights and advocacy organisations also weighed in, noting that efforts to independently verify the situation on the ground were hindered. In at least one account, civil society teams attempting to enter the area were reportedly stopped by military personnel, intensifying concerns over transparency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Kajuru abduction is not an isolated incident. Kaduna State \u2014 like many parts of central and northwestern Nigeria \u2014 has endured repeated attacks by armed groups targeting rural communities, places of worship, markets, and highway travellers. The pattern of violence has fueled widespread fear, prompted migration from vulnerable villages, and drawn international attention to Nigeria\u2019s ongoing security challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Globally, Nigeria has been spotlighted for the frequency of mass kidnappings, with similar attacks on schools, worshippers and travellers prompting condemnation from human rights organisations and foreign governments alike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For families of the abducted, each day brings new anguish and uncertainty. Some worshippers managed to flee during the initial attack or escape from captivity, but as of the latest reports, the majority remain unaccounted for. Community members continue to plead for swift and effective rescue operations as anxieties deepen over their loved ones\u2019 fate.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the police and security agencies intensify their search efforts, residents of Kajuru and beyond are left to reckon with the stark reality that, in parts of Nigeria,\u00a0<\/span>even houses of worship may no longer be sanctuaries from violence<\/i><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Different Stakeholders Said<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Survivors<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cThey came while prayers were going on. Nobody thought it was possible that armed men would enter the church at that time. When they started shouting, people froze. Some were holding children. Some were crying.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Survivor from Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey did not separate us by church. They brought everybody together and said we should move. Anyone who slowed down was beaten. We were walking for a long time into the bush.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Escaped worshipper, interviewed during police visit<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was the crowd that saved me. When we reached another settlement inside the forest, there were already many captives there. That confusion gave me the chance to run.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Survivor wearing a yellow jersey during police engagement<\/span><\/p>\n

Church Leaders<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cThis was not a rumour. It was coordinated. Three churches were attacked at the same time. Families are still missing their fathers, mothers and children.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Local church leader, Kajuru<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe pain was made worse by the initial denial. When authorities say it did not happen, it is like telling the victims their suffering does not exist.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Senior official, Christian Association of Nigeria (Kaduna chapter)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKajuru is 20 minutes from NNPC refinery entrance Kaduna, barely another 10 minutes to Ungwan Rimi GRA where Rimi College is beside. Kaduna State University campus and the residence of the Deputy Governor along Tafawa Balewa Way, inside Kaduna city. Just to understand how easily it can be reached by any security forces in the Kaduna metropolis.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet yesterday, 18th January 2025 170 people were surrounded, selected, and abducted during church service(s) on a Sunday morning in broad daylight where almost everybody in the environment has a cell phone?! There is at least one Police post at Kajuru, to even radio HQ Kaduna, if they are completely unable to engage.<\/p>\n

\u201cKaduna metropolis houses over 15 security agencies\/bodies, including the HQ 1 Mechanized Division, Airforce Base with fighter jets & helicopters, and all branches of military & Police intel units. And there is a governor in the same Kaduna metropolis, with GOC, State Police Commissioner, et al? They should stop insulting our intelligence and sensibilities. This is deliberate wickedness.\u201d\u00a0 – Rev. Polycarp Gbaja<\/p>\n

Local Officials<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cNames were provided. Communities spoke. Survivors returned. What else was needed before action?\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Kajuru Local Government official<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis incident has damaged trust. People now feel abandoned even when they report attacks.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Ward head in affected community<\/span><\/p>\n

Security Officials<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cThe police are now fully engaged. Tactical teams have been deployed, and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Police spokesperson, Kaduna State Command<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAny suggestion that the police would deliberately ignore a crime of this nature is false. However, verification is critical in a volatile environment.\u201d<\/i><\/span>
\n\u2014 Senior security source<\/span><\/p>\n

HOW THE KAJURU CHURCH ABDUCTIONS UNFOLDED<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Sunday, January 18<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Armed men storm <\/span>at least three churches<\/b><\/span> in Kajuru LGA during morning worship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Worshippers are forced out, regrouped, and marched into surrounding forests.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Some victims escape during the journey; others remain missing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Local communities begin sounding alarms through church networks and community leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Monday, January 19<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Christian leaders and local officials publicly report <\/span>mass abductions<\/b><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Survivors begin returning to villages with firsthand accounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Social media amplifies the incident under the hashtag <\/span>#Kajuru177<\/b><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Monday, January 19<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Kaduna State Police Commissioner <\/span>publicly denies<\/b><\/span> that any abduction took place.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Claims are described as \u201cfalse,\u201d \u201cpolitically motivated,\u201d and spread by \u201cconflict entrepreneurs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Public outrage intensifies as families release names of missing worshippers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tuesday, January 20<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Under mounting pressure and emerging evidence, police leadership <\/span>revises its position<\/b><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 The Commissioner of Police <\/span>visits Kajuru<\/b><\/span>, meeting survivors and community leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Survivors recount events directly to police officials on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following Days<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

\u2022 Security agencies deploy search-and-rescue units.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 National and international media pick up the story.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Civil society groups raise concerns about transparency, accountability, and religious safety.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Kajuru incident has become more than a kidnapping story\u2014it is now a <\/span>test of credibility<\/b><\/span> for security agencies and a stark symbol of Nigeria\u2019s worsening rural insecurity. The initial denial, followed by reluctant engagement, has deepened mistrust and reinforced fears that communities under attack may first have to fight for <\/span>recognition<\/i><\/span> before they can receive protection.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What began as a quiet Sunday of worship on 18 January quickly turned into one of the most traumatic mass abduction incidents in recent Nigerian history. In Kurmin Wali, a rural community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, armed men stormed\u00a0three churches simultaneously, seized scores of worshippers and marched them into nearby bushes […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":96278,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5807,7],"tags":[6341,659,6477,7882,1382],"class_list":["post-97280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-crime-and-violence","category-news","tag-6341","tag-gunmen","tag-kajuru","tag-kurmin-wali","tag-survivor"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=97280"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97280\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/96278"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=97280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=97280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/everyday.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=97280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}