Celebration in Kaduna Community as Kurmin Wali Abductees Return Safely -

Relief and jubilation swept through the Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna State on Thursday as all worshippers and residents abducted during last month’s deadly attack on the village were released and reunited with their families.

Daily Star Nigeria gathered that the release was confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern chapter. Chairman of CAN in Northern Nigeria, Reverend John Hayab, told journalists that everyone taken during the attack had now regained freedom, though details surrounding how their release was secured were not disclosed.

Also confirming the development, the Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Caleb Maaji, said he had just returned from the Government House in Kaduna where arrangements were being concluded for Governor Uba Sani to formally receive the freed victims.

“The stage is set for them to be brought in. His Excellency will meet with them. This is a result of the prayers we have offered,” Maaji said.

As at the time of filing this report, there was no official public statement from the Kaduna State Government. However, Daily Star Nigeria learned that Governor Uba Sani had earlier confirmed the return of 82 of those abducted, as efforts continued to account for all victims.

The incident occurred in the early hours of January 18 when gunmen, locally described as bandits, invaded Kurmin Wali in large numbers. Witnesses told Daily Star Nigeria that the attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles, went from house to house and stormed the village’s three churches, forcing worshippers and residents out before marching them into the bush.

A total of 177 people were reportedly abducted during the raid, though 11 were said to have escaped from their captors shortly after being taken.

The safe return of the victims has brought a measure of relief to the community, even as residents continue to call for stronger security measures to protect rural communities and places of worship across Kaduna State and the wider North-West region.