05/02/2026
Remaining 82 christian worshippers kidn@pped in Kaduna regain freedom
A joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has rescued scores of worshippers abducted during a church service in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area.
Governor Uba Sani confirmed on Wednesday that 82 victims have safely returned from captivity. However, a credible security source disclosed that more than 100 people, including children and infants, were freed during the carefully coordinated operation.
The source revealed that the rescue involved operatives from the DSS and ONSA, alongside security assets mobilised by the state government.
Bandits had stormed the church on January 18, abdÂĄcting 177 worshippers and throwing the community into panic and grief. In the days following the att+ck, 11 victims reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.
Governor Sani confirmed the development during a visit to the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where the rescued victims are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
He sympathised with the victims and their families over the traÂĄmatic ordeal and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity. The governor expressed optimism that the remaining abdÂĄctees would be freed within days.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and k+dnapping in the state, Sani stressed that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim.
He also commended the DSS, ONSA, and other security agencies for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response, while urging residents to continue cooperating with security operatives by providing timely and credible information to help restore lasting peace in the area.
