Eighty worshippers who narrowly escaped abduction during a bandit raid on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have returned to their homes after spending weeks in hiding.
The returnees were among those who fled when armed men stormed the community during a church service on January 18, abducting several worshippers and forcing others to run for safety.
The village head, Ishaku Danazumi, confirmed that the group came back nearly two weeks after the incident and were in good health.
Danazumi however, disclosed that the ordeal was far from over, as 86 worshippers were still being held captive by the attackers.
He said the community remained anxious while awaiting the safe return of those still in the hands of the abductors.
Security sources attributed the return of the displaced residents to intensified military and security operations across Kajuru and surrounding forest areas believed to serve as bandit hideouts.
These operations, according to officials, have helped to restore a measure of confidence among residents who had earlier fled their homes.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer in Kajuru visited Kurmin Wali following the return of the worshippers.
Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan said the returnees were documented, profiled and debriefed as part of ongoing investigations.
The attack, which also involved assaults on churches in nearby areas, initially sparked confusion after authorities denied reports that over 100 worshippers had been abducted.
The Nigeria Police Force later confirmed that the abductions did take place.
Governor Uba Sani visited the affected community after the incident, assuring residents that the government was committed to securing the release of those still in captivity.
He reiterated his administration’s pledge to protect all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies.
The abductions have drawn widespread concern, including calls from international partners and rights groups urging Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining victims and prevent further attacks in the state.
