Relief as 80 Abducted Kaduna Worshippers Escape and Return Home
In a ray of hope amidst the persistent security challenges in Kaduna State, no fewer than 80 worshippers who were feared abducted during a bandit attack on the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area have safely returned home.
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development on Sunday, revealing that the escapees had spent nearly two weeks taking refuge in neighboring villages after fleeing the initial assault.
The worshippers were part of a larger group targeted when armed men stormed the community during a worship session on a Sunday night about two weeks ago.
According to The Punch, initial fears suggested that approximately 177 people had been herded into the forest by the bandits.
However, Dan’azumi clarified that while the situation was chaotic, many managed to escape during the raid and sought safety in nearby communities.
“Although about 177 worshippers were initially believed to have been abducted during the attack, 80 were later confirmed to have escaped and sought safety in nearby communities,” the traditional ruler stated.
Despite the return of the 80 residents, the community remains in deep distress. The Village Head disclosed that 86 worshippers are confirmed to still be in the custody of the bandits. He appealed urgently to the authorities for intervention.
“We have observed that some people are trying to politicise our situation even as families are going through serious trauma.
“We are appealing to the government and the military to expedite action to secure the safe return of the remaining 86 people still in the bandits’ camp,” Dan’azumi lamented.
A military source, speaking anonymously, attributed the safe return of the escapees to sustained security operations targeting bandit hideouts along the Kajuru forest corridors.
The increased troop presence reportedly allowed displaced residents to navigate their way back home.
However, the security situation in Kajuru remains volatile. Just days ago, on Tuesday, bandits launched a fresh attack on the nearby Maikori community in Maro Ward, killing three residents identified as Hassan Agola, Lawal Samson, and Baba Apolo.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the return of the worshippers or the ongoing hostage situation.
Families of the remaining 86 victims continue to wait in anxiety, hoping that intensified military pressure will lead to the freedom of their loved ones.
