…bandits had reportedly abducted a nursing mother and two others in Kujama community, also in Southern Kaduna,
KADUNA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The names of the abducted 177 worshippers from ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2 in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have been made public.
The released list reveals the devastating scale of the attack, with entire families abducted from their homes and places of worship, leaving the once-thriving community traumatised and largely deserted of able-bodied residents.
The abduction occurred barely one week after the community reportedly paid a ransom of N2.6 million to secure the release of 20 residents previously kidnapped.
Although government officials and security agencies initially denied that any abduction took place, a police situation report obtained, confirmed that the attack happened during church services on Sunday.
According to the report, information was received at about 5:45pm indicating that the assailants struck around 11:25am. The attackers reportedly fired sporadically, causing worshippers to flee into nearby forests.
The report stated that armed bandits, carrying sophisticated weapons, attacked the churches in the remote forest community, making immediate access difficult due to poor road conditions. Security operatives, including the military and other agencies, were mobilised, while investigations commenced and rescue efforts intensified.
As of yesterday, Kurmin Wali village had been largely abandoned, with survivors fleeing to neighbouring communities to seek refuge with relatives and friends. Some victims who sustained injuries while escaping were said to be in shock, while poor network coverage and lost mobile phones hindered efforts to reach them.
An analysis of the names obtained showed that entire households were taken. The Jonathan family reportedly lost 12 members, the Amos family 13, Markus/Makudi 10, Ishaya and Danisa seven each, Bawa six, while Danjuma and Musa families lost five members each.
Other families had between two and four members abducted. The oldest victim is 71-year-old Augustina Matthew, while the youngest, Salvation Idris, is six years old. Several other children between the ages of six and ten were also among those taken.
The initial denial of the incident by government officials sparked criticism from rights groups. Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N) insisted the abduction occurred and accused security agencies of obstructing independent verification.
CSW-N Research and Press Officer, Reuben Buhari, said the organisation’s team was prevented by the military from accessing the community shortly after the attack, despite presenting proper identification.
CSW-N further disclosed that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and on foot, divided into three groups, and simultaneously attacked the churches. The group added that some elderly women and young children were later released, while 11 victims reportedly escaped, leaving 167 people in captivity at the time of its engagement with community sources.
Reacting to the incident, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Dr. Joseph Hayab, accused security agencies of failing to stop the attackers from escaping with the victims.
He said prompt pursuit of the assailants could have prevented the mass abduction, lamenting what he described as unnecessary delays and denial of the incident.
The abduction also drew international attention, with US lawmaker Rep. Riley Moore describing it as “horrific” and urging the Nigerian government to ensure the victims’ swift and safe return.
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, similarly condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and warning against the growing pattern of mass abductions across the country. He called on authorities to act decisively to rescue the victims and restore public confidence in security.
Meanwhile, prior to the Kajuru incident, bandits had reportedly abducted a nursing mother and two others in Kujama community, also in Southern Kaduna, demanding a ransom of N150 million. The attackers allegedly inflicted severe machete injuries on the husbands of the women who tried to resist the abduction.
Police authorities said they were investigating the incidents and would provide updates.
