Panic has spread across Kurmin Wali community in southern Kaduna following the abduction of 177 Christian worshippers, marking the second such attack in the area within one week.
Gunmen reportedly stormed three churches on Sunday, abducting over 100 worshippers. Initial reports of the incident were dismissed on Monday by the Kaduna State Government, the police command, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area. However, the Northern Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, confirmed the attack to journalists.
Late Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, officially confirmed the abductions via X, clarifying that earlier statements by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Rabiu, were not denials but precautionary responses pending verification of details from the field.
Findings on Wednesday revealed that residents of Kurmin Wali have fled their homes, leaving farms abandoned, while schools have been shut indefinitely.
A community member, Linus Abu, said the village was still reeling from an earlier attack on January 11, during which several residents were kidnapped by suspected armed Fulani militia.
“We paid ₦23 million as ransom before those abducted on January 11 were released,” Abu said. “The kidnappers contacted us directly and gave instructions. Some of our people had to carry the money in sacks deep into the bush.”
Reports indicate that 11 of the 177 abducted worshippers escaped, but 166 victims — including women and children — remain in captivity following the January 18 attack. Unlike the previous incident, the kidnappers are yet to make a formal ransom demand for the remaining captives.
