A shocking mass abduction in Kaduna State has come to light after armed assailants stormed three churches during Sunday services, whisking away scores of worshippers in what has been described as one of the region's most brazen attacks in recent times.
The incident took place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area. Gunmen invaded the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2, firing shots to instill fear among congregants before abducting them to unknown locations. Reports indicate that entire families were taken, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the assault on peaceful worshippers.
Initial accounts from local sources and church leaders placed the number of abducted individuals at around 172–177. A community-compiled list of 177 names has since emerged and been widely circulated, though some reports cite slight variations (e.g., 168–177 still missing after a few escapes). The list reveals devastating impacts on specific households: the Amos family lost 13 members, the Jonathan family 12, Markus/Makudi family 10, and several others including Ishaya, Danisa, Bawa, Danjuma, and Musa families with multiple victims each. Victims range from young children to elderly individuals, with ages reportedly spanning from 6 years old to 71.
The Kaduna State Police Command initially denied the reports outright, with the state police commissioner describing them as "mere falsehood" spread by those aiming to cause chaos. Officials claimed visits to the churches showed no evidence of an attack. However, following verification from operational units and intelligence, the police backtracked and confirmed the abductions occurred, attributing earlier denials to efforts to avoid unnecessary panic while facts were being ascertained.
A police situation report referenced in media outlets noted about 177 worshippers were taken, aligning closely with community figures. Church leaders, including representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), condemned the incident as regrettable and shameful, emphasizing the vulnerability of religious gatherings in insecure areas.
No immediate details on ransom demands, ongoing rescue operations, or the current status of the captives have been publicly released, leaving families in distress and communities demanding urgent security interventions. The episode has intensified calls for better protection of rural areas and places of worship amid persistent banditry and kidnapping threats in northern Nigeria.
This development underscores the grave security challenges facing Kaduna State and the broader region, where such attacks continue to disrupt lives and erode public trust in authorities.
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