February 05, (THEWILL) — Residents of Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have heaved a sigh of relief following the release of the remaining 86 worshippers abducted during coordinated attacks on churches in the community.
Sources confirmed on Thursday that the victims, who were kidnapped on January 18, were released late Wednesday night, and conveyed to the Kaduna State Government House. They reportedly arrived on Thursday at about 2:30 p.m., where they were received by government officials.
Earlier, about 80 worshippers had escaped from the captivity of bandits, while 11 others reportedly broke free shortly after the attack.
The Village Head, Ishaku Dan’azumi, explained that a total of 177 worshippers were abducted during coordinated attacks on a Catholic church, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and the Cherubim and Seraphim Church while congregants were in service. According to him, the gunmen locked the church gates before forcing worshippers into the bush and later transporting them to a forest hideout.
Confirming the latest development, Dan’azumi expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.
“We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy, and they are currently with the government,” he said, adding that those freed included men, women, and children.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, narrated how residents became aware of the release during the night.
“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”, the source said.
While the Kaduna State Government had yet to officially confirm the release as of filing this report, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said all 166 worshippers abducted during the attack had regained their freedom.
The Northern Chairman of CAN, Rev. John Hayab, told the BBC that the victims had returned home safely and that no ransom was paid. The Kaduna State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Caleb Ma’aji, also confirmed the development.
Viral Videos and photographs showed the freed worshippers dressed in yellow polo T-shirts, uniforms, and matching face caps, with the women similarly attired, suggesting a coordinated post-release arrangement.
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