By Erewunmi Peace

All worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have now regained their freedom after being held captive by armed bandits for over two weeks.

The mass kidnapping occurred on January 18, 2026, when gunmen stormed three churches in the community during Sunday worship services and abducted dozens of men, women, and youths.

On Thursday, February 5, Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani confirmed that the last group of abducted worshippers had been released and safely brought to the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in the state capital. Officials say a total of 183 people were initially abducted, including children and elderly persons, with some escaping captivity earlier and others released or rescued over the past few days.

Governor Sani described the safe return of the worshippers as “a day of joy for the state”, thanking security agencies and religious leaders for their roles in securing the victims’ freedom. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their support in the operation.

The freed worshippers are set to undergo medical and psychosocial care before reuniting with their families, authorities said, noting that plans are underway to improve security and infrastructure in the affected community to prevent future attacks.

Religious and community leaders have welcomed the development, praising the collaborative efforts of government and security forces while urging continued vigilance against insecurity in rural areas.