Abducted Kaduna worshippers regain freedom

Worshippers kidnapped from churches in Kurmin Wali town in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on January 18, 2026, have been released

A community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity, told DailyTrust said that between 11 p.m. and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were seen moving into a forest around Maro town, and later returned with the abducted persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

“Between about 11 p.m. and 12 midnight, we were informed that large vehicles entered the forest, and later, around 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., they came out with the abducted people from the Maro axis. We do not know who went to take them or who released them. We are also not certain whether all of them were freed, but their release has been confirmed,” he said.

It is not certain if any ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims or whether the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors were given.

177 worshippers were abducted during the attack on Kurmin Wali. However, 80 victims, mostly children, escaped during the attack and found refuge in forest settlements.