At least 80 of the worshippers abducted during a mass attack on three churches in Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna State have escaped captivity and returned home, local leaders confirmed on 2 February 2026.
The victims were among about 177 people seized by armed bandits on 18 January 2026 while attending services at three different churches in the rural community of Kajuru Local Government Area.
Escape and Return
According to Ishaku Dan’azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali, the 80 worshippers escaped on the same day of the attack but initially could not return home because they became disoriented in the nearby forests and feared further attacks.
They have now made their way back to the community after nearly two weeks, reuniting with families and neighbours. Most of them appeared healthy, though they are being debriefed and checked by local authorities.
Some reports note that 11 others had escaped earlier, shortly after the abduction, bringing the total number of escapees to at least 91.
Despite the escape of these worshippers, dozens remain in captivity. Dan’azumi said that around 86 abductees are still being held by the armed group in forest hideouts.
Security sources have linked the return of the escapees to ongoing military and police operations targeting bandit camps and corridors close to Kurmin Wali, though authorities have not released detailed public statements on the full rescue or pursuit operations.
Context of the Attack
The January attack was one of a series of violent incidents by armed bandits in parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and mass abductions have become a persistent security challenge for communities and authorities.
