Dozens of worshippers abducted from two churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have recounted their harrowing experiences in the den of bandits.

The victims were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, at about 9am while attending church service in the community. They were rescued on Thursday after spending two weeks in captivity.

One of the rescued victims, Hosea Madami, told Daily Trust that they were subjected to constant abuse.

“We suffered a lot in the forest. They beat me on my head and hands. They fed us like dogs, giving us very little food in our hands. There was no salt, so the food had no taste,” he said.

Madami added that they were forced to trek for several days under harsh conditions.

“We spent almost six days walking in the forest. They kept beating us with sticks. Truly, we suffered greatly,” he said.

Another victim, Rebecca Josiah, said hunger was one of the most unbearable aspects of their captivity.

“I ate only four times in the two weeks we spent in the forest. They gave us kunu, and sometimes tuwo, in our hands,” she said.

She explained that even the little food provided was difficult to manage.

“If it was too hot, you had to pour it into your clothes. We suffered terribly in their hands. Small children kept crying because of hunger,” she added.

Rebecca also said they were forced to walk barefoot for days.

“We walked for days in the forest without shoes. My feet became swollen, and I stepped on thorns. But we thank God that we returned safely,” she said.

Another victim, Philomena Jonathan, said the captors gave them very little food and frequently beat the men.

A woman who declined to be named said they were not allowed to bathe throughout their stay in the forest. “We slept near a river, but there was no bathing at all,” she said.

She added that coughing or crying often attracted punishment.

“If you coughed, they beat you, especially the men. When small children cried too much, they threatened to kill them if they did not stop,” she said.

A pregnant victim, Theresa Irimiya, said she was spared physical abuse because of her condition.

“They did not beat me after they captured us because I was pregnant. They left me alone and later told me to go home with the small children,” she said. She was among the first victims released a few days after the incident.

An elderly woman also shared her experience, saying she hid in the forest out of fear.

“When they came, I hid in the bushes for many days because I was afraid. Later, I came out and ran to another settlement,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating their rescue.

A community leader, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the release of the abducted worshippers took place late on Thursday.

He explained that between 11pm on Wednesday and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were sighted moving into a forest around Maro town and later returned with the abducted persons between 1 and 2am on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release or whether the motorcycles demanded by the abductors were handed over.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that 177 victims were abducted during the attack, with 11 escaping the same day. An additional 80 victims, mostly children who also escaped during the attack, were reportedly found taking refuge in forest settlements two weeks later.

Reacting to the release of the final batch of victims, the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, thanked the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the abductees.

“We are happy, and they are all currently with the government,” he told Daily Trust on the phone.

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

Our correspondent observed that most of the rescued victims appeared visibly exhausted, with many limping due to fatigue.

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, confirmed the rescue of all 183 persons abducted from Kurmin Wali.

Speaking shortly after receiving the victims at the Government House, Sani said the state government worked closely with federal authorities and security agencies to ensure that every abducted person returned safely.

Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned,” the governor declared.

He explained that 183 residents were initially taken by kidnappers, with 11 released earlier and taken to the hospital, 83 returning a few days ago, and the final 89 rescued on Thursday morning.

“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing,” he said.

The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his personal involvement in the rescue efforts, noting that the president maintained constant contact throughout the crisis.

“For us, even one person abducted is unacceptable,” the governor said, adding that the state deliberately avoided politicising the incident.

“That is why we refused to politicise the situation or engage in media arguments over numbers. Our focus was clear—to ensure that every single person returned safely,” he said.

Sani announced that he had informed the federal government of the need to establish a military base in the Kajuru–Kachia axis to prevent future attacks, describing the area as a long-standing security flashpoint.

“I am happy to inform you that Mr President has given his assurance that this request will be granted,” he said.

The governor also revealed that the state government had commenced infrastructure projects in Kurmin Wali, including the construction of an access road, while plans are underway to build a hospital and a skills acquisition centre in the community.

According to Sani, the rescued victims will not return home immediately but will first receive medical and psychosocial care in Kaduna.

The governor appealed to the public to continue supporting security agencies, noting the risks they face daily.

“These men and women risk their lives every day to protect us. It is unfair to attack their integrity whenever incidents occur, yet rely on them when danger comes close to us,” he said.

CAN expresses relief

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed relief over the safe release of all worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community, describing the development as a significant moment of grace, healing and resolution for the affected community following the tragic incident.

In a statement, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, commended the decisive leadership of Governor Uba Sani, describing him as a listening leader who responded promptly to the cries of the people—unlike in the past when communities were often ignored or intimidated during similar crises.

He noted that the safe return of the worshippers is a testament to effective collaboration between government leadership and security agencies, as well as the resilience and faith of the affected community. (Daily Trust)

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