Tears flowed on Thursday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, as survivors of the recent church abduction in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, recounted weeks of fear, hunger and abuse while in captivity.
A total of 183 victims, mostly women and children, were formally received by Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, following their rescue from bandits after weeks in the forest. The victims were freed through a coordinated operation involving the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services.
For the survivors, the ceremony marked not only a reunion with society but also a painful reminder of how close they came to death.
One of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the abductees were forced to trek for six days through dense forest immediately after the attack.
“We trekked from Kurmin Wali into the forest for six days; they kept us by a river bank and fed us with pap made from maize,” the survivor said.
According to the victim, food was scarce, drinking water unsafe and basic human dignity stripped away.
“We slept by the riverbank. Some of us did not take our bath for about two weeks,” the survivor added.
The ordeal, the victim said, was worsened by the cruelty meted out to children.
“They flogged us, including our children, especially whenever the children cried. Sometimes the children cried out of hunger and fear,” the victim said.
Another survivor said the captors ruled through fear and violence.
“We were always afraid. Once a child started crying, everyone became scared because we knew what would follow,” one of them narrated.
Emotions ran high as one of the rescued victims addressed the governor directly, breaking down in tears.
“We thought we were going to die there. We had lost hope completely,” the survivor said.
Expressing gratitude, the victim described Sani as a source of hope during the ordeal.
“You gave us hope when we had none. You are the father to the fatherless. You gave us what we never expected,” the survivor said.
In a moment that drew applause and tears from the audience, the survivor prayed for the governor’s political future.
“May God lift you from being governor to becoming president in the name of Jesus,” the victim said.
Addressing the gathering, Sani described the day as “truly a day of joy” and commended the collaboration between security agencies and government stakeholders.
“I want to sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has stood with us from day one, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their unwavering support in ensuring the safe return of these children and mothers,” the governor said.
He also acknowledged the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts.
Sani disclosed that all 183 abducted persons had now been rescued.
“Initially, 183 people were abducted. Eleven were released earlier and taken straight to the hospital. Out of the remaining, 83 returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just yesterday. Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person were still missing.
“For us in Kaduna State, even one person abducted is unacceptable. We refused to politicise the situation or engage in media arguments over numbers. Our focus was clear — to ensure that every single person returned safely,” the governor added.
He announced new security and development measures for Kurmin Wali, including plans for a military base along the Kajuru–Kachia axis, the construction of an access road, a hospital and a skills acquisition centre.
“This is the Kaduna model — working quietly with community leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, local government officials and security agencies at the grassroots,” Sani said.
The rescued victims are currently receiving medical care, trauma counselling and relief materials, with the state government pledging continued support for their rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria has expressed relief over the safe release of the abducted worshippers.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev Joseph Hayab, commended Sani for what he described as decisive and compassionate leadership.
“We rejoice with the church and the people of Kurmin Wali for the safe return of all kidnapped victims.
“We especially appreciate Governor Uba Sani for showing remarkable leadership and empathy during these trying moments. He heard the cries of the people and fulfilled his promise to ensure the release of the abducted worshippers,” he said.
Northern CAN also praised the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, as well as the National Security Adviser and the President, for their roles in securing the release.
“The safe return of the worshippers released today is a testament to effective collaboration and the resilience of the affected communities,” Hayab said.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and security agencies to safeguard churches and communities across Northern Nigeria and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The PUNCH reported that the abduction of church members in Kurmin Wali occurred on January 18, 2026, when bandits attacked the village during a church service.
The assailants stormed the community in the evening, firing sporadically and forcing worshippers to flee before abducting a large number of women and children into the surrounding forest.
Initial reports on the number of victims varied, with authorities later confirming that 183 people were taken during the attack.
Though the state chairman of CAN reported the report, both the local government chairman and the state police command denied it.
However, by Tuesday, January 20, the incident was confirmed by the authorities, with the governor promising that the victims would be rescued.
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