Relief In Kaduna As Abducted Worshippers Regain Freedom

The remaining residents abducted from Kurmin Wali town in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom, bringing relief to the community weeks after the attack.

The victims were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, when suspected bandits invaded the area at dawn while residents were attending a church service.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity told Daily Trust that the victims were released on Wednesday  night under unclear circumstances.

He explained that between 11 p.m. and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were sighted moving into a forest near Maro town and later returned with the abducted persons in the early hours of Thursday.

“Between about 11 p.m. and 12 midnight, we were informed that large vehicles entered the forest, and later, around 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., they came out with the abducted people from the Maro axis. We do not know who went to take them or who released them. We are also not certain whether all of them were freed, but their release has been confirmed,” he said.

It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid for their release or if the 17 motorcycles reportedly demanded by the kidnappers were provided.

Earlier reports had indicated that no fewer than 177 people were abducted during the attack on the community.

About two weeks after the incident, 80 victims, mostly children, were said to have escaped and taken refuge in nearby forest settlements.

Confirming the development, the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for their efforts.

“We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy and they are currently with the government,” he said.

Dan’azumi added that those freed included children, women and adults, but declined to provide further details.

A security source also confirmed the development, saying the victims were released late Thursday night.

“Yes, you are correct. They were released last night,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government had yet to issue an official statement regarding the release of the abducted residents, Naija News understands.