Relief in Kaduna as 80 Worshippers Escape Bandits, 86 Still in Captivity
No fewer than 80 worshippers who escaped abduction during a bandit attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have returned to their homes after spending nearly two weeks in hiding.
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development to PUNCH Online on Sunday, explaining that the worshippers had taken refuge in neighbouring villages following the attack.
Dan’azumi said that while initial reports suggested that about 177 worshippers were abducted during the incident, investigations later revealed that 80 of them escaped. He, however, disclosed that 86 worshippers are still being held captive by the bandits.
He appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of those still in captivity, warning against the politicisation of the incident as affected families continue to endure trauma.
A military source, who spoke anonymously, attributed the return of the displaced worshippers to sustained security operations targeting bandit hideouts across Kajuru and adjoining forest areas. However, details surrounding the escape of the victims and the conditions of those still held remain unclear.
The development comes amid renewed violence in Kajuru, following a fresh bandit attack on Maikori community in Maro Ward on Tuesday, where three residents—identified as Hassan Agola, Lawal Samson, and Baba Apolo—were killed.
Residents recalled that the Kurmin Wali attack occurred on a Sunday night when armed men invaded the community during a worship session, abducting several worshippers and forcing others to flee.
Community sources told PUNCH Online that intensified military patrols have encouraged some displaced residents to cautiously return home, even as tensions remain high and calls grow for a stronger and permanent security presence in the area.
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