Christian worshippers who were abducted from three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State, have shared their harrowing experiences during their captivity.
The 172 freed worshippers were received by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, at the government house on Thursday.
The victims were abducted on January 18 during Sunday services. While 83 of them managed to escape captivity and returned home on Sunday, the remaining 89 were released early on Thursday.
Some of the freed victims recounted their traumatic experiences to journalists, revealing that they were fed only once or twice a day, mostly with maize powder pap.
One of the women, who spoke anonymously, explained that the group trekked for six days through the forest before being held in a bandits’ enclave near a river.
“They were giving us food once or twice a day. They gave us pap made with maize powder, masa, and sometimes bread,” she said. “They brought drinking water for us from the nearby river where we camped.”
The woman also spoke of the strict confinement: “They prevented us from moving; even when you wanted to ease yourself, you had to take permission, and they would escort you.” She added that the men were beaten, and even the children were flogged for crying, which the bandits deemed disruptive.
“It was a horrible experience; we thank God we returned safely,” she said.
Among the captives were women and children, some of whom were nursing mothers or pregnant. The children ranged in age from two to 13 years.
While receiving the freed victims, Governor Uba Sani expressed shock at the abduction, especially given the state’s ongoing efforts to improve security. He highlighted the work of his administration over the past two and a half years to collaborate with security agencies to protect citizens.
“The attack occurred despite the efforts to improve security, but I can confirm that today, all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned,” he said.
The governor explained that a total of 183 worshippers had been abducted during the attack, of whom 11 escaped while being taken into the bush. “They have been certified medically fit and have returned home. Out of the remaining, 83 returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just yesterday,” he added. “Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing.”
Sani further assured that the freed victims would not be sent home immediately, as arrangements were being made for their medical and psychological care. “We will ensure they are physically and mentally fit before they return home,” he said.
The governor condemned attempts to politicize the abduction, calling such actions “unacceptable.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to working tirelessly to protect lives and property in Kaduna.
Sani also expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his deep concern, noting that the president had repeatedly reached out since the incident occurred. The governor also thanked National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other security agencies for their collaboration in ensuring the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
The abduction in Kajuru is part of Nigeria’s broader insecurity challenges, with terror groups continuing to expand their operations in recent years, targeting rural communities and kidnapping people for ransom.
