In the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, 80 worshippers have made it home after escaping an abduction attempt by bandits at the Kurmin Wali community.
According to Channels TV, security forces are stepping up their efforts to free the victims, while dozens more are being held captive.
The village chief, Ishaku Danazumi, made this claim: on January 18th, 2026, during a church service, armed men attacked the community, kidnapped multiple people, and forced the remaining 80 returnees to flee.
He reported that the individuals that returned were in good health when they did so, approximately two weeks following the occurrence.
According to Danazumi, 86 worshippers are still held by the kidnappers, even if 80 of them managed to escape.
Military operations targeting bandit hideouts across Kajuru and adjoining woodland corridors have escalated, according to security sources, which has led to the return of the displaced population.
The victims were profiled and debriefed when the Divisional Police Officer of Kajuru visited the locality, according to Mansir Hassan, spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command.
In an attack on three churches last month, gunmen seized more than a hundred people.
Officials initially downplayed the occurrence following its disclosure by the state’s Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
However, Benjamin Hundeyin, a spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force, confirmed the incident “did happen” a few days later.
The abductees’ safe return was assured by Governor Uba Sani, who visited the community after the tragedy.
Like the rest of Kaduna State, the residents of Kurmin Wali have complete faith in and confidence in their government. They are aware that we are leading a government that welcomes all citizens.
No matter a person’s race, religion, or national origin, we will safeguard their life. We in Kaduna State are united. That the Kurmin Wali people have grasped that so well makes me glad.
“That is why, upon our arrival, you could observe the genuine warmth with which they welcomed us; even among the mourning, they stood in solidarity with the government.”
Government and security officials in the United States have been urged to guarantee the safe release of the abducted individuals by various US authorities and pressure organizations.
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