Breaking: 80 Worshippers Reunited After Kaduna Church Attack

According to Ireporter Online, no fewer than 80 worshippers who escaped abduction during a bandit attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have returned to their homes after spending nearly two weeks taking refuge in neighbouring villages.

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development during a telephone conversation on Sunday, explaining that the worshippers fled to nearby communities in the aftermath of the attack.

Dan’azumi disclosed that while early reports claimed that about 177 worshippers were abducted during the incident, subsequent findings revealed that 80 individuals managed to escape and sought safety in surrounding areas.

He expressed concern over what he described as attempts by some individuals to politicise the tragedy, stressing that affected families are still grappling with deep emotional trauma. The traditional ruler appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward rescuing the remaining victims, noting that 86 residents are still being held by the attackers.

According to him, urgent military intervention is required to secure the release of those still in captivity and restore lasting peace to the area.

A military source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to operational protocols, attributed the return of the displaced worshippers to sustained military offensives against bandit camps in Kajuru and surrounding forest corridors. The source added that the heightened security presence has boosted confidence among some residents to cautiously return to their communities.

Although details surrounding the escape of the 80 worshippers remain unclear, community members believe intensified patrols and operations played a significant role in weakening the bandits’ hold on the area.

Meanwhile, tension remains high in Kajuru following another bandit attack last Tuesday on Maikori community in Maro Ward, where three residents were reportedly killed. A local source identified the victims as Hassan Agola, Lawal Samson, and Baba Apolo, adding that the incident has reignited fear across neighbouring settlements.

Residents have renewed calls for stronger and more permanent security deployment, warning that sporadic attacks continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.

Kurmin Wali was attacked on a Sunday night during a church service when armed men reportedly stormed the place of worship, abducting several worshippers while others fled to safety.

Families of those still missing say they remain anxious but hopeful, following reports of increased military patrols and offensive operations across the troubled communities. A community elder, speaking anonymously, appealed for swift action, saying the prolonged ordeal has taken a heavy emotional toll on residents.

As of Sunday, 86 persons remain unaccounted for, with locals urging urgent government intervention to bring the crisis to an end.