Christian worshippers kidnapped from Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been released after weeks in captivity, according to multiple sources familiar with the development.
The victims, abducted on January 18, were freed late Wednesday night and later transported to the Kaduna State Government House, where they arrived on Thursday afternoon and were received by government officials.
Community sources confirmed the release, describing it as a relief to residents who had lived in fear since the attack. The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, expressed gratitude to the state government and security agencies for their role in securing the victims’ freedom, noting that those released included women, men, and children.
A local community leader said residents observed unusual movement during the night, with vehicles entering nearby forest areas and later emerging with the abducted persons. While details surrounding the release remain unclear, the return of the victims has been confirmed.
About 177 people were initially abducted during the raid on the village. Reports indicate that roughly 80 individuals, mostly children, escaped during the attack and sought safety in surrounding forest settlements.
Although the Kaduna State Government has not officially announced the release or provided figures, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that all 166 people abducted have regained their freedom. CAN’s Northern Chairman, John Hayab, said the victims returned safely and that no ransom was paid to secure their release.
The incident adds to ongoing security concerns in parts of southern Kaduna, where communities continue to call for stronger protection and sustained security operations.
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