Dare Babalola
Worshippers kidnapped from churches in Kaduna State’s Kajuru Local Government Area have been released, with the village head confirming they are now with authorities in Kaduna.
Recall that the victims were abducted while attending church service in the community, on January 18, 2026.
A community leader, told Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, that the release took place late Wednesday.
Heavy-duty vehicles were spotted moving into a forest near Maro town between 11 p.m. and midnight, and later returned with 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 was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims or whether the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors were given.
At least 177 people were abducted during the attack on Kurmin Wali.
About two weeks later, 80 victims, mostly children, reportedly escaped during the attack and found refuge in forest settlements.
Confirming the development, the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, thanked the state government and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
“We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy and they are currently with the government,” he said.
Dan’azumi added that those released included children, women and adults, but declined to give further details.
A security source also confirmed the release saying, “Yes, you are correct. They were released last night.”
As at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government had not issued any official statement on the release.
However, it was learnt that they were being taken to Government House, Kaduna, for debriefing.
