The Village Head of Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Ishaku Dan’azumi, has confirmed that 80 of the worshippers abducted during a church service in the community have escaped from their captors.
The attack, which occurred at a local church, initially left the community in shock, with early reports indicating that about 177 worshippers had been kidnapped by armed bandits. Subsequent investigations, however, revealed that 80 of the victims managed to flee and are now safely reunited with their families in neighbouring communities.
Dan’azumi, speaking to newsmen on Sunday, stated that while the escape of these worshippers brought relief, 86 of them remain in captivity. He appealed to both the federal and state governments, as well as the security agencies, to act swiftly to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“This is a very difficult time for our people. Families are still experiencing severe emotional and psychological trauma,” he said. “We are appealing to the government and the military to act urgently to rescue the remaining 86 worshippers still being held by the bandits.”
The village head also expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to politicise the abduction, insisting that the focus should remain on the welfare and safety of the victims.
Kurmin Wali, like many communities in Kaduna State, has been vulnerable to bandit attacks in recent years. Kidnappings for ransom have become a frequent tactic used by armed groups, causing fear and disruption to daily life, particularly in rural areas.
The attack on the church has also renewed calls for stronger community policing and more effective collaboration between local residents and security agencies. Residents argue that early warning systems and rapid response teams could help reduce the impact of such incidents.
“This is not the first time Kurmin Wali has faced such attacks. Communities here are feeling unsafe, and people are worried about attending religious gatherings,” a local resident said. “We need the government to take serious action.”
The Kaduna State Government has previously condemned attacks on religious gatherings and pledged to intensify military operations against bandits in affected areas. However, critics argue that despite repeated assurances, many communities still remain highly vulnerable.
In the wake of the abduction, humanitarian organizations have stepped in to provide support to the affected families. Counseling services and basic relief items have been made available to help the victims and their families cope with the trauma.
The situation in Kurmin Wali reflects a broader security challenge in northern Nigeria, where armed banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on villages and religious centers have increased over the past few years. According to recent reports, Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and Katsina states remain some of the worst-hit areas.
Communities affected by such violence have increasingly relied on self-help measures and community defense groups, but security experts warn that these are often not enough against well-armed and organized bandit groups.
Local leaders, including Dan’azumi, continue to urge the government to prioritize the protection of civilians, particularly during religious gatherings. They stress that worshippers should not fear attending church services or other communal events.
Meanwhile, families of the remaining 86 worshippers continue to live in fear, hoping for a safe return. Community members have organized prayers and solidarity events, calling on both security forces and government officials to intensify rescue operations.
The Federal Government has, in recent months, pledged to intensify efforts to curb banditry across the North West and North Central regions, including increased military deployments and intelligence gathering. However, incidents like the Kurmin Wali abduction underscore the persistent challenge of securing rural communities against armed groups.
As investigations and rescue operations continue, Dan’azumi emphasized the need for patience and restraint from the public. He urged media outlets and community leaders to focus on constructive reporting rather than politicizing the tragedy.
“Our priority is the safe return of all abducted worshippers,” he said. “Political arguments and blame games will not bring our people back. We call on everyone to support the efforts of security agencies.”
The abduction in Kurmin Wali is a grim reminder of the security challenges facing rural communities in Kaduna State and beyond. As the government and military continue operations, residents hope for a speedy rescue of the remaining worshippers and long-term strategies to prevent such attacks in the future.