80 Abducted Kaduna Worshippers Reunite With Families, 86 Remain in Captivity

 Eighty worshippers abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have escaped from captivity and reunited with their families, offering a measure of relief after weeks of anguish.

The victims were among 177 Christians kidnapped in January 2026 during coordinated attacks on churches in the community.

Confirming the development on Sunday, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, said 11 worshippers escaped shortly after the January 18 abduction, while 80 others managed to flee more recently.

According to him, the escapees initially sought safety in neighbouring communities before making their way back home.

However, 86 worshippers are still being held by the bandits in a forest, Dan’azumi revealed, describing the situation as deeply distressing for affected families.

He lamented attempts by some individuals to politicise the tragedy, stressing that the community continues to live in fear amid recurring bandit attacks and kidnappings.

The village head appealed to the government and the military to intensify rescue operations to secure the freedom of those still in captivity.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, said the command would issue a comprehensive report on the incident in due course.

The incident has once again highlighted the persistent insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, where rural communities remain vulnerable to violent attacks and mass abductions.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk