Remaining Kaduna Worshippers Released After Weeks in Captivity

Relief has washed over the Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State following the release of the remaining worshippers abducted by bandits during a coordinated attack on local churches two weeks ago.

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development on Thursday, revealing that he received word of their freedom early Tuesday morning.

Speaking to PUNCH Online, Dan’azumi stated that the victims are currently in the custody of the Kaduna State Government. “I got the information of their release this morning.

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They are currently with the government in Kaduna,” the traditional ruler said, though he noted he could not confirm if any ransom or the motorcycles allegedly demanded by the bandits were exchanged for their liberty.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, also celebrated the news.

“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,” Caleb said, praising Governor Uba Sani for his commitment to securing the state.

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The nightmare began on a Sunday when armed men invaded three churches in Kurmin Wali during worship services.

Firing sporadically to instill panic, the attackers herded no fewer than 177 worshippers into the surrounding forests.

While about 80 of the victims managed to escape in the chaos and confusion of the initial abduction, the remaining 86 (approximate figure based on previous reports) were held in captivity until their release this week.

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Details surrounding the negotiations remain murky. A community stakeholder, pleading anonymity, reported sighting empty buses and motorcycles moving into the bush late Wednesday night, fueling speculation that demands may have been met.

“I believe those were the motorcycles the bandits earlier demanded, which allegedly went missing during a military operation on their camp,” the source claimed.

However, Rev. Caleb maintained he was not involved in any negotiations, emphasizing that the priority was the safe return of the victims.

A senior police officer also confirmed the release but declined to specify the exact number of freed hostages.

The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in Southern Kaduna, where rural communities frequently face attacks on religious centers despite ongoing military and police operations.