A glimmer of hope pierced the gloom over Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Monday, February 2, 2026, as news broke that 80 of the worshippers abducted two weeks ago have regained their freedom. However, the development has done little to quell the anxiety of families whose loved ones remain in the clutches of the bandits, with community leaders confirming that 86 victims are still being held in what they describe as a living hell.
The escapees, who returned to the community over the weekend, were part of the 166 congregants seized on January 18, 2026, when armed men stormed three separate churches during Sunday service. According to the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, the 80 victims managed to flee their captors’ hideouts in the forest, capitalizing on a moment of distraction or relaxed guard. Their return was a scene of mixed emotions—tears of joy for the reunited families, and deepened despair for those whose relatives did not make it back.
While the Kaduna State Police Command has moved to verify the identities of the returnees, a cloud of confusion continues to hang over the official narrative. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan confirmed the return of the 80 individuals, stating they were being profiled and debriefed at the State Police Headquarters. However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed caution, with state chairman Reverend Caleb Maaji initially stating he had no independent confirmation of the mass return. This disconnect highlights the persistent gap between security agencies and the affected communities, a friction that has plagued the response to the crisis from day one.
The fate of the remaining 86 captives now hangs in a precarious balance. Just days ago, the bandits had issued a chilling ultimatum, demanding a ₦250 million ransom and 20 motorcycles as “restitution” for alleged grievances against the community. With the escape of nearly half their hostages, security analysts fear the abductors may harden their stance or exact retribution on those left behind. The Village Head, Dan’azumi, made a passionate appeal to the government not to treat the partial escape as a total victory, warning that the remaining victims—including women, children, and the elderly—are in dire need of a rescue operation before the deadline expires.
Governor Uba Sani, who visited the community last week to assure residents of his commitment to their safety, continues to face intense pressure. His administration maintains a strict “no ransom” policy, arguing that paying terrorists only fuels their insurgency. Yet, for the families of Kurmin Wali, this policy offers cold comfort as they scramble to sell farm produce and assets to meet the bandits’ demands. As the 80 survivors begin their journey of physical and psychological recovery, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the forests of Kajuru, waiting to see if the government can bring the remaining 86 worshippers home alive.
