KADUNA – More than a week after a mass abduction from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, the fate of 166 Christian worshippers remains unknown, as families and community leaders intensify calls for urgent government intervention.
The incident occurred on January 18, 2026, when armed individuals stormed the churches during services, taking members of the congregation captive. While 11 individuals managed to escape and have received medical attention, the vast majority are still being held.
Community Frustration Mounts
Initial reports of the kidnapping were met with conflicting statements from authorities, causing further distress within the community. While Governor Uba Sani has visited the village to offer support and has reportedly petitioned the Minister of Defence for increased security presence, residents express frustration over the perceived lack of decisive action to locate and rescue the remaining captives. Local sources suggest the abductors may be holding the victims in areas within the Rijana-Kachia axis.
National and International Attention
The situation has drawn national and international attention, with concerns raised about the safety of communities in the region. President Bola Tinubu has issued a statement condemning the abduction and directing rescue efforts. The U.S. State Department and human rights organizations have also voiced concerns and called for investigations into the persistent security challenges faced by Christian communities in the Middle Belt.
As the days turn into a week, the families of the 166 missing individuals continue to live in fear and uncertainty, pleading for their loved ones to be brought home safely.
