The Village Head of Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, has disclosed that the bandits who abducted 177 Christian worshippers were sighted on Thursday morning moving with their captives around the Maro axis of the council area.

Dan’azumi told PUNCH Online in a telephone interview that the abductors and their victims were seen trekking on foot between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities, although their exact destination could not be ascertained.

According to the traditional ruler, the development followed threats allegedly issued by the bandits on Wednesday evening after they noticed the presence of security operatives in the area.

“They called us yesterday evening and threatened the community, accusing us of bringing soldiers. They said we were claiming to have ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence,” Dan’azumi said.

“We explained to them that we don’t have anybody and that we did not invite the soldiers. After that conversation, they ended the call, and we have not heard from them again.”

He added that residents later received information early on Thursday that the abductors and their captives had been sighted trekking through bush paths between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities.

“This morning, we were told that they were seen moving on foot with our people between Ungwan Gamu and Maro, but we do not know exactly where they are heading,” he said.

The Village Head expressed deep concern over the safety and well-being of the abducted worshippers and called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and rescue operations to ensure their safe return.

PUNCH reports that Kurmin Wali, Ungwan Gamu and Maro are rural communities in Kajuru Local Government Area, one of the flashpoints of banditry and kidnapping in Southern Kaduna. The area is characterised by vast forests and difficult terrain, which armed groups have exploited over the years to establish hideouts and carry out attacks on rural communities.

Residents of Kajuru have suffered repeated incidents of mass abductions, killings and destruction of farmlands, with many villagers forced to flee their homes at various times due to persistent insecurity.

Despite sustained military operations in parts of Southern Kaduna, bandits have continued to stage attacks, often targeting places of worship, farmlands and highways.

The 177 worshippers were abducted on Sunday during church services in Kurmin Wali community, sparking outrage and renewed calls by religious leaders, community stakeholders and civil society groups for decisive action to end mass kidnappings in the state.

The abductors had earlier contacted community leaders and demanded the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations in the area as a condition for the release of the victims, further complicating negotiations.

The incident has heightened tension and fear across Kajuru Local Government Area and neighbouring communities, as families of the abducted worshippers anxiously await their safe return. (Text, excluding headline: The PUNCH)