At least 166 worshippers remain in captivity following coordinated attacks on three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, according to community leaders and security sources.
Gunmen invaded multiple churches during Sunday services and abducted a total of 177 people. Eleven victims later escaped, leaving 166 — including women and children — still in captivity. The Nigeria Police Force has since confirmed that the abductions occurred after initial conflicting official statements.
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, said the kidnappers contacted community negotiators and demanded the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly seized or damaged during recent military operations. The attackers reportedly valued each motorcycle at about ₦1.7 million, bringing the total demand to approximately ₦28.9 million, before any formal ransom negotiations.
Residents said the community has been largely deserted, with schools closed and farms abandoned, as fear spreads. Survivors and church officials said worshippers were gathered from different churches and marched into nearby forests.
Military sources said the attackers were fleeing intensified operations against bandit camps in neighbouring areas, adding that troops are conducting ongoing search-and-rescue and pursuit operations.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, visited the community and said the state is working with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
The Christian Association of Nigeria and opposition groups have criticised initial communication by authorities and called for urgent, transparent action to rescue the victims.
Keywords: Kaduna church abductions, Kajuru LGA, Kurmin Wali, worshippers kidnapped, Kaduna insecurity
