In a significant relief for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has announced that the remaining 82 victims of the Kurmin Wali church abduction have been recovered.
While visiting the rescued worshippers at a specialized shelter, the Governor emphasized that the state’s current priority is their recovery, ensuring they have access to both clinical care and mental health support to process the trauma of the January 18 ordeal.
Persecondnews recalls that the abduction occurred when bandits attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali, taking 177 congregants hostage.
Eleven victims had previously regained freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest development.
“It was with a heavy yet hopeful heart that I visited our courageous brothers and sisters from Kurmin Wali,” Sani said.
“The encounter was deeply moving, a solemn reminder of the cost of insecurity, and at the same time a testament to the resilience of our people.”
Sani expressed optimism that the remaining victims would be freed soon, reiterating his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State.
“Our duty does not end with care and compassion. The Kaduna State Government remains steadfast in working closely with security agencies to secure the release of those still in captivity and ensure their safe return.”
The governor has requested the establishment of a military base in Kurmin Wali to enhance security in the area.
“This critical step will significantly enhance security in the area and its environs, affirming our unyielding commitment to protect lives, restore peace, and uphold the dignity of every citizen of Kaduna State.”
Sani commended security agencies for their efforts and urged residents to cooperate with authorities to restore peace.
The released worshippers are receiving medical and psychosocial support, with plans for reunification with their families.
Persecondnews recalls that in late January the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru held a special prayers for the safe return of 177 worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali community, even as armed bandits abducted six more residents from Mararaba Kajuru in the early hours of the same day.
The incident in Mararaba Kajuru occurred at about 1 a.m. when the bandits stormed Unguwar Barkonu, breaking into homes and forcibly taking six people to an unknown location.
A resident, Steven Kefas, said: “This incident didn’t occur in a remote village with no access to road; it happened right at the heart of Kajuru, in Kufana.”
The CAN-led prayer session, held at Tawaliu Baptist Church in Maraban Kajuru, brought together Christian leaders from across Kaduna State and the wider northern region. Families of the abducted worshippers anxiously awaited their release.
The victims, members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and the Cherubim and Seraphim churches, were seized during Sunday services when armed men invaded Kurmin Wali community and forced congregants into surrounding forests.
A few victims had escaped.while many remain in captivity.
Commenting on the Mararaba Kajuru kidnapping, Rev. Kaura said: “The incident happened yesterday (Saturday) around 11pm when the bandits stormed the area. They surrounded the area, but when the neighbors heard strange noises, they came out and left with only six residents.”
Tracing the roots of insecurity in Kajuru to the 1980s, he noted a spike during the 2017–2018 Kasuwan Magani crisis, which culminated in the abduction and killing of the area’s paramount ruler.
He recalled previous attacks on Buda Church, including abductions and killings, and said that since 2019, no fewer than 11 pastors and their wives had been killed, forcing many communities to abandon their homes.
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