Freedom Restored for Kidnapped Worshippers in Kaduna

Worshippers who were abducted from churches in the Kurmin Wali community, located within the Kufana region of Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State, have regained their freedom, according to reports from Daily Trust.

The victims had been taken hostage while attending a church service on January 18, 2026.

A local community leader, who requested to remain anonymous, revealed that the release occurred late Thursday night.

He recounted that between 11 p.m. and midnight, large trucks were observed moving towards a forest near Maro, returning with the abducted individuals between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

"We were informed that by around 11 p.m. to midnight, significant vehicles entered the forest, and later, from about 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., they emerged with the kidnapped victims from the Maro area. We are unsure about the identity of those who executed the rescue or whether all the captives were released, but the return of some has been verified," he stated.

At this moment, it is unclear if a ransom was paid for the victims' freedom or whether the 17 motorcycles that the kidnappers demanded were provided.

Earlier reports indicated that at least 177 individuals were taken during the incident in Kurmin Wali.

Approximately two weeks later, a group of around 80 victims, primarily children, managed to escape during the attack, finding safety in nearby forest settlements.

Ishaku Dan’azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali, confirmed the news of the release to Daily Trust, extending gratitude to the state authorities and security agencies for their interventions that led to the captives' safe return.

"We received information today that they have been released. We are pleased, and they are presently in the care of the government," he stated.

Dan’azumi noted that among the rescued were children, women, and men, though he refrained from providing additional details.

A source within the security forces also confirmed the liberation, affirming that, "Yes, you are right. They were released last night."

At the time this report was compiled, the Kaduna State Government had yet to issue an official statement regarding the captives' release. However, it has been reported that the victims are on their way to Government House in Kaduna for debriefing.