93 Abducted Kaduna church members released, 73 left in captivity
The Kaduna State Government has announced that 93 of the 177 worshippers kidnapped during a church service in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area, on January 18, 2026, have regained their freedom.
Governor Uba Sani confirmed this development while visiting the rescued victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
Prior to this release, 11 of the abducted worshippers had earlier returned, leaving 166 still in captivity. With the latest development, efforts are ongoing to secure the freedom of the remaining victims.
Expressing compassion for the affected families, Governor Sani reassured the Kurmin Wali community that the state government is working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those still held by bandits within the coming days.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State, stressing that all necessary measures would be taken to bring an end to insecurity.
The governor also commended security agencies for their professionalism and swift intervention, while calling on residents to continue collaborating with authorities to achieve lasting peace in the state.
