The Nigeria Police Force has formally confirmed that 177 Christian worshippers were abducted from three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, more than a day after the incident occurred during Sunday worship.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police acknowledged widespread public concern surrounding the incident and said further verification had now established that the abduction did occur, prompting the immediate activation of coordinated rescue efforts.
“The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the deep concern generated by reports of an abduction incident at Kurmin Wali, a remote community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the statement said.
“The Force understands the fear and anxiety such reports cause to families, residents, and the general public, and treats the safety of every citizen as a matter of utmost priority.”
The confirmation followed earlier uncertainty after some representatives from the affected area questioned the reports during a Kaduna State Security Council meeting convened by the governor. According to the police, those disagreements made it necessary to exercise caution and carry out additional checks before issuing a definitive public position.
“During the meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, some individuals from the affected local government area disputed the report, which had earlier been confirmed by the Police, and described it as false,” Hundeyin explained.
“This created uncertainty and reinforced the need for caution and thorough verification by the Police and other security agencies before making conclusive public statements on such a sensitive matter.”
He clarified that comments made by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, which were widely interpreted as a denial, were not intended to dismiss the incident but to prevent panic while details were still being confirmed.
“Those remarks were not a denial of the incident but a measured response pending confirmation of details from the field, including the identities and number of those affected.”
Following what the Force described as “subsequent verification from operational units and intelligence sources”, the police confirmed the abduction and announced the deployment of additional security resources to Kajuru and neighbouring communities.
“The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the full deployment of critical operational and intelligence assets to Kajuru and surrounding communities,” the statement said.
“These efforts include deployment of tactical units, intensified patrols, targeted search and rescue operations, and proactive measures to protect lives and property.”
Accounts from the community indicate that gunmen stormed ECWA Church as well as Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2 in Kurmin Wali on Sunday, forcing worshippers out of the buildings and marching them through bush paths. While early figures varied, community leaders and security sources now estimate that 177 people were taken, including women, children and at least one pregnant woman.
The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police has since visited Kurmin Wali and held discussions with survivors. One escapee, speaking after managing to flee, recounted how the attack unfolded.
“We were in the church when we heard noise from outside,” the survivor said. “I stepped out and saw four armed men standing there. I picked my little daughter and wanted to run, but one of them said if I ran he would shoot me. So I stopped.”
According to the survivor, worshippers from one church were taken to another nearby church where more people had already been seized.
“Together, they asked all of us to go with them. We began to journey into the bush. When we got to a village, they started beating us without any question. After that, they asked us to continue the journey.”
He said he eventually escaped after noticing a large gathering in a bush settlement.
“When we got to another village in the bush, I saw many people there, some not from our community. That was where I escaped through the bushes until I got back home.”
Human rights organisation Amnesty International condemned the attack, describing it as part of a broader pattern of mass abductions across northern Nigeria. The group said residents and families told it that gunmen moved “from one church to another, dragging along all worshippers”.
“It is appalling that gunmen are still having a free rein across some rural areas of northern Nigeria,” Amnesty said, urging authorities to ensure that all abducted persons are “safely and securely rescued and reunited with their families”.
The organisation also criticised what it described as initial denial of the incident, arguing that the episode highlighted persistent security lapses.
“Authorities must take immediate and concrete measures to prevent rampant abductions that are gradually becoming the norm in Nigeria,” it added.
The police, however, appealed for calm and restraint in public commentary, warning that speculation could undermine rescue efforts.
“The Nigeria Police Force appeals to members of the public and the media for patience and cooperation,” Hundeyin said.
“The public is encouraged to rely on official police communications for verified information and to avoid sensational reporting that could jeopardise ongoing operations or heighten public anxiety.”
Security operations remain ongoing in Kajuru and nearby areas as families anxiously await news of their loved ones, with the police promising to provide further updates as the situation develops.
What you should know
The confirmed abduction of 177 worshippers in Kajuru highlights the continuing security challenges facing rural communities in Kaduna State and across northern Nigeria.
The incident initially triggered confusion after conflicting accounts emerged, but police say verification is now complete and large-scale rescue operations are underway. Rights groups argue the attack reflects a wider pattern of unchecked mass kidnappings, while authorities insist speculation could hinder rescue efforts.
The outcome of ongoing security operations will be critical for the victims’ families and for restoring public confidence in local security responses.
