All 183 worshippers abducted from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom, eighteen days after bandits stormed a church service and whisked them away on January 18.
The freed victims were formally received on Thursday by Governor Uba Sani at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.
Welcoming the worshippers in the presence of security chiefs, senior Kaduna State Government officials, and community leaders, the governor described the moment as “a day of joy for the state,” noting that the successful rescue of every abducted person justified the government’s quiet but persistent efforts alongside security agencies.
Governor Sani said the mass abduction came as a rude shock, especially after more than two years of relative calm achieved through sustained collaboration between the state government and security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
He explained that immediately after the January 18 incident, the government activated all relevant security formations and engaged key stakeholders with one clear goal, ensuring that every single victim returned alive.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu, saying the President personally followed developments from the onset, making regular calls to express concern and offer leadership support throughout the rescue operation.
He also praised the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for working closely with the Kaduna State Government to coordinate efforts that led to the victims’ release.
Governor Sani further acknowledged the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, as well as the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security agencies, for what he described as “exceptional collaboration” during the operation.
“For us in Kaduna, even one person abducted is unacceptable. That is why we refused to join issues or politicise the situation. Our focus was to bring everyone back alive,” he said.
Breakdown of the Rescue
Giving a detailed account, the governor disclosed that 183 people were taken during the attack. Eleven victims were released earlier and admitted for medical care, while 83 regained their freedom some days later. The remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday.
“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,” he stated.
Governor Sani also revealed that he had formally requested the establishment of a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly the Rijana general area along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor, to bolster security in the region.
According to him, President Tinubu has already assured that the request would be approved.
He added that the state government has begun constructing a road linking Kurmin Wali to the main road and has plans underway to build a hospital and a skills acquisition centre to support the community.
Medical Care and Reintegration
The governor explained that the rescued worshippers would not be immediately reunited with their families, as they are first required to undergo thorough medical examinations.
He said comprehensive psychosocial care would also be provided in Kaduna before they return home.
Governor Sani appealed to residents to remain fair and supportive of security agencies, stressing that security personnel place their lives at risk daily to protect communities across the state.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with grassroots leaders, religious figures, and security agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kaduna State, its Chairman, Rev. Caleb Maaji, described the successful rescue as a divine intervention and proof that the state passed a critical test.
He thanked the governor, security agencies, and residents of Kaduna for their prayers and practical support until every victim was freed.
“We are grateful because not some of them returned, but all of them returned. We thank God and appreciate the government and security agencies,” he said.
Some of the rescued worshippers shared their experiences with journalists, recounting how they were forced to trek for six days through dense forests to the kidnappers’ camp.
Despite the trauma they endured, the victims expressed gratitude to the governor and security chiefs for ensuring their safe return.
It will be recalled that the police and Kaduna authorities initially dismissed reports of the abduction as false, a response that angered residents and community leaders who documented missing worshippers to confirm the incident.
The Nigerian Police Force later acknowledged the abduction, explaining that it adopted a “measured response” while verifying the facts.
What you should know
The abduction of 183 worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, sparked public outrage after initial denial by authorities.
Through coordinated efforts involving the state government, federal leadership, and multiple security agencies, all victims were eventually rescued without loss of life.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger security presence along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor and long-term community support to prevent future attacks.
