Armed bandits have reportedly freed the last group of worshippers who were taken away during a violent church attack in Kurmin Wali, a community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident happened on Sunday while Christians were attending services in three different churches. Witnesses said gunmen stormed the area, shot into the air to scare people, and then forced many worshippers into the nearby forest.
Earlier reports showed that at least 177 people were seized during the coordinated invasion. In the confusion, about 80 of them managed to escape while being marched away and later found safety in neighbouring communities.
According to PUNCH Online, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development during a telephone conversation on Thursday. He explained that he received news of the release early Thursday morning.
“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 moment.
When asked whether ransom money or motorcycles, which were allegedly demanded by the bandits, were given before the victims were freed, Dan’azumi said he was unsure. He noted that he was preparing to travel to Kaduna to meet the released worshippers.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna State, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, also spoke about the situation in a phone interview on Thursday, confirming that the captives had regained their freedom.
“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.
On the issue of ransom payment, the cleric stated that he did not take part in any talks with the attackers. He stressed that what mattered most was that the victims were safe. He also praised the Kaduna State Government and said Governor Uba Sani had shown strong commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Meanwhile, a senior police officer, who asked not to be named, said the remaining captives were released on Wednesday night.
“I can confirm to you that the remaining worshippers have been released, but I cannot confirm the exact number,” the police source said.
Another community member in Kajuru, who also requested anonymity for security reasons, claimed that empty buses and motorcycles were seen late Wednesday night heading toward nearby bush paths. He suggested that the vehicles might have been used to transport people out of the forest.
“I believe those were the motorcycles the bandits earlier demanded, which allegedly went missing during a military operation on their camp,” the source said.
After the attack, security forces began search-and-rescue missions in the area. Local leaders and authorities also worked together to identify those affected and support their families.
The episode has once again highlighted the ongoing problem of bandit attacks in parts of Southern Kaduna, especially in rural communities where residents often complain about poor security coverage. Kajuru Local Government Area has remained one of the hardest-hit places in the state, with repeated cases of kidnappings, assaults on worship centres, and mass abductions, despite continued military and police efforts.
As of the time this report was prepared, full details about how the release happened were still unclear. Attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, for further confirmation were not successful.
With additional reports from The Punch
