Breaking: Jubilation as Abducted Kaduna Worshippers Regain Freedom

• Kidnapped worshippers in Kaduna State have been released after weeks of uncertainty
• Armed bandits targeted church attendees in Kurmin Wali town on January 18, 2026
• Community leader reports mysterious circumstances surrounding the release of the abducted victims

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Kaduna State - Worshippers kidnapped from churches in Kurmin Wali town in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been released.

Legit.ng reports that armed bandits kidnapped more than 160 worshippers while attending church service in the community on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

The gunmen armed with "sophisticated weapons" attacked the two churches at about 11:25 a.m.

As reported by Daily Trust, a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the release took place late Thursday, February 5, 2026

According to the community leader, he saw heavy-duty vehicles moving into a forest around Maro town between 11 p.m. and midnight.

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He added that the vehicles later returned with the kidnapped worshippers between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

“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."

The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, said those released included children, women, and adults.

Dan’azumi, however, declined to give further details about the release of the kidnapped worshippers.

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

List of 177 worshippers abducted from Kaduna churches

Recall that over 177 worshippers were kidnapped in Kaduna State during a church attack on January 18, 2026.

Nine worshippers managed to escape, leaving 163 still unaccounted for after the incident.

Police deploy resources for coordinated operations to rescue victims in Kajuru and the surrounding areas.

Read more stories on abducted Kaduna worshippers:

• Bandits Finally Set Conditions for Release of Abducted Kaduna Worshippers
• Kaduna: Police Finally Admit Bandits Seized Dozens of Christians in Mass Kidnapping, Details Emerge
• 166 Kidnapped Kaduna Worshippers: Bandits Demand N29m Deposit for Motorcycles Before Actual Ransom
• Kaduna Gov Visits Community Where Over 100 Worshippers Were Kidnapped, Makes Key Promises
• Police, CAN Disagree over Report That Bandits Kidnapped over 160 Worshippers from 2 Churches

Kaduna worshippers: 80 victims found, 86 still missing

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Village Head of Kurmin Wali confirmed that 80 abducted victims had been found, though 86 remained missing after the attack in Kaduna State.

Survivors said they fled into the forest and hid in fear, delaying their return and communication with the community.

Authorities acknowledged the incident after initial denial, while police continued meetings with local leaders to address insecurity.