86 Worshippers Still in Captivity After Attack on Kurmin Wali Christian Community in Kaduna State

Gunmen invaded the Kurmin Wali Christian community in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on January 18, 2026, abducting worshippers during a church service. Initially, 177 people were taken, but new findings revealed that 80 victims managed to escape and flee to safety.

Despite repeated assurances from the police and state government, 86 worshippers remained in captivity, causing distress and anger among affected families. The delay in acknowledging the mass abduction raised questions, with the Kaduna State Police Command eventually confirming the incident.

Families of the abducted individuals reported contact with the kidnappers, who demanded ransom for their release. Church officials supported the affected families and efforts were made to locate and rescue the remaining captives.

Ishaku Dan Azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali, disclosed that 80 abducted worshippers had escaped during the attack but were unable to return home, remaining scattered across the forest settlement.