Worshippers kidnapped from churches in Kurmin Wali town in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reportedly been released.
Recall that on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the victims were abducted by unknown gunmen while attending church service in the community.
It was gathered that the victims were released by their abductors late Wednesday.
It was gathered that between 11 p.m. and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were seen moving into a forest around Maro town, and later returned with the abducted persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
A resident of the area, who pleaded anonymity, said, “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.”
However, it could not be ascertained if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims or whether the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors were given.
Recall that no fewer than 177 people were abducted during the attack on Kurmin Wali.
Two weeks later, 80 victims, mostly children, reportedly escaped during the attack and found refuge in forest settlements.
Village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, who confirmed their release, thanked the state government and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
“We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy and they are currently with the government,” he said.
Dan’azumi added that those released included children, women and adults, but didn’t further details.
“Yes, you are correct. They were released last night,” a security
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government had yet to issue any official statement on the victims’ release.
It was learnt that the rescued victims were being taken to Government House, Kaduna, for debriefing.
