The identities of 177 worshippers abducted during coordinated attacks on churches in Kaduna State have been revealed, heightening concern over the worsening security situation in rural communities.
The abductions occurred on Sunday when armed men stormed three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area, during morning services. The affected churches include ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Church (Churches 1 and 2), from where scores of worshippers were forcefully taken to an unknown destination.
Residents reported that more than 100 people were kidnapped in the attacks, which came barely a week after the community allegedly paid a ransom of ₦2.6 million to secure the release of 20 residents abducted earlier, further deepening fear and displacement in the agrarian area.
Initially, the Kaduna State Police Command dismissed reports of the abduction as false, challenging those making the claims to provide the names of the victims. However, a subsequent police situation report confirmed that armed attackers invaded the churches at about 11:25 a.m. and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.
According to the police, access to Kurmin Wali was hampered by poor road conditions and the community’s proximity to forested terrain. Security agencies, in collaboration with the military, have since launched rescue operations.
Human rights group, Christian Solidarity Worldwide–Nigeria (CSW-N), also confirmed the abductions, alleging that its team was prevented by security operatives from accessing the community during a fact-finding mission.
A detailed list that later emerged showed that entire families were abducted, leaving the community traumatised and largely deserted. Some families reportedly lost between five and thirteen members in the raid.
The list revealed that the oldest victim is 71-year-old Augustina Matthew, while the youngest is six-year-old Salvation Idris. Several other children were also among those abducted.
The latest mass kidnapping has renewed public debate over the effectiveness of ongoing security measures and the federal government’s emergency interventions, as residents continue to call for urgent and sustained protection of vulnerable communities.
