JUST-IN: Kidnapped Church Worshippers in Kaduna regain freedom

Worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali town, located in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom. 

The victims were kidnapped on January 18, 2026, while attending church services in the community.

A community leader, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the victims were released late on Thursday night under unclear circumstances.

According to him, between 11 p.m. and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were seen moving into a forest around Maro town, before returning with the 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,” the source said.

It remains unclear whether any ransom was paid or if the 17 motorcycles reportedly demanded by the abductors were handed over.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that at least 177 persons were abducted during the attack on Kurmin Wali. About two weeks later, 80 victims, mostly children, reportedly escaped from captivity and found refuge in nearby forest settlements.

Confirming the development, the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims.

“We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy and they are currently with the government,” Dan’azumi said.

He added that those released included children, women and adults, but declined to provide further details.

A security source also confirmed the release, saying, “Yes, you are correct. They were released last night.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government had yet to issue an official statement on the development. However, Daily Trust learnt that the freed victims were being taken to Government House, Kaduna, for debriefing.