A Day of Joy: All 183 Kaduna Church Abductees Regain Freedom
In a major relief for the nation, all 183 worshippers abducted from the Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna State have safely returned home. The victims, who were snatched during a coordinated attack on three churches in the Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18, 2026, were officially received by Governor Uba Sani on Thursday.
The Governor, speaking at the Government House in Kaduna, described the safe return of every single abductee as a vindication of the "quiet but relentless efforts" of the state government and security agencies.
The Journey to Freedom
The release of the 183 individuals occurred in phases over the eighteen days they were held in captivity:
- The Escaped: 11 victims managed to escape their captors shortly after the abduction and were immediately hospitalized for treatment.
- The First Group: 83 worshippers regained their freedom and returned home a few days ago.
- The Final Rescue: The remaining 89 victims were rescued on Wednesday, February 4, following a high-level security operation.
"Today, we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing. I can say without contradiction that all those abducted have returned," Governor Sani declared.
Ordeal in the Forest: Survivors Speak
While the mood at the Government House was one of celebration, the freed worshippers shared harrowing accounts of their time in the kidnappers' den. Many arrived dressed in yellow, looking frail but relieved.
Survivors revealed they were forced to trek for six days deep into the forest to reach the bandits' camp. Once there, they faced severe conditions:
- Starvation: Victims were often fed only once or twice a day, mostly with pap made from maize powder.
- Brutality: Men were frequently beaten, and even children were flogged by the militants to keep them quiet.
- Exposure: Many, including nursing mothers and pregnant women, were forced to sleep in the open and drink water from nearby rivers.
For more coverage on human rights and security, visit our Metro News section.
Security Reassessment in Kaduna
The mass abduction, which took place in a region previously enjoying a period of relative peace, has forced a rethink of security strategies in Kaduna. Governor Sani confirmed he has been in constant contact with President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu regarding the incident.
Following the "rescue," the state government has called for the establishment of a permanent military base in the Regina general area, a known flashpoint for banditry, to prevent future incursions into rural communities.
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