BANDITS RELEASE REMAINING WORSHIPPERS ABDUCTED FROM KAJURU CHURCHES
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Bandits have reportedly released the remaining worshippers abducted during a coordinated attack on churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed three churches during worship services, firing sporadically to create panic before abducting worshippers and marching them into surrounding forests.
At least 177 worshippers were initially reported kidnapped during the assault. However, about 80 victims reportedly escaped while being taken into the bush and later sought refuge in neighbouring communities.
Confirming the development in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, said he received information early Tuesday morning 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 at the time.
When asked whether ransom or motorcycles—allegedly demanded by the bandits—were provided 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 in a separate telephone interview on Thursday.
“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 noted that he was not involved in any negotiations and could not confirm whether ransom was paid, stressing that the most important thing was the safe return of the worshippers. He also commended 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 the release on Wednesday night but declined to give exact figures.
“I can confirm to you that the remaining worshippers have been released, but I cannot confirm the exact number,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, a community stakeholder in Kajuru, who also requested anonymity for security reasons, claimed that empty buses and motorcycles were sighted late Wednesday night moving into nearby bush areas, allegedly transporting people out.
“I believe those were the motorcycles the bandits earlier demanded, which allegedly 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 provide support to affected families.
The incident has once again highlighted persistent banditry and attacks on places of worship in parts of Southern Kaduna, particularly rural communities where residents have repeatedly complained of inadequate security presence.
Kajuru Local Government Area remains one of the flashpoints of insecurity in Kaduna State, with a history of kidnappings, attacks on religious centres and mass abductions, despite ongoing military and police operations.
As of the time of filing this report, details surrounding the release remain sketchy. Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, for official confirmation were unsuccessful.
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