Author: Gist Correspondent

Eighty worshippers abducted during a bandit attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have escaped, while 86 others remain missing, the village head has confirmed.

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali in the Kufana Chiefdom, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed that the escapees were among those believed to have been abducted about two weeks ago when bandits raided the community and attacked worshippers in at least three churches.

The incident had sparked widespread outrage and calls on the Federal Government to ensure the rescue of the victims.

Speaking on Sunday, Dan’azumi explained that the 80 persons were not in the custody of the bandits but had fled into the forest during the attack and taken refuge in remote locations out of fear, which delayed their return and communication with the community.

“We have now confirmed that 80 of our people have been found in different locations. They ran into the forest and hid because of fear on the very day of the incident,” he said.

According to him, contact was eventually made after one of the escapees reached out to the community a few days ago and disclosed their location, prompting local representatives to carry out a verification exercise.

“One of them called and told us where they were. We sent people there and confirmed their whereabouts. They were afraid because they thought what happened to a nearby village, where bandits burnt down the entire community, had also happened here,” he explained.

Dan’azumi said a headcount conducted on Friday confirmed that 80 persons were found across different forest settlements, adding that search teams had also been deployed to other locations to determine whether more victims were still in hiding.

He said the state government had been formally informed of the development, noting that fear was still preventing some of those found from returning home, even though a number of them had already done so.

“We have informed the government that 80 people have been found. They want us to gather them together, but fear is stopping many of them from returning. However, we have spoken with them and confirmed their locations,” he said.

Bandits had invaded Kurmin Wali on January 18, abducting a total of 177 women, children and men in coordinated attacks on churches in the community.

The attack generated nationwide concern, although the Kaduna State Government and the police initially denied that any abduction took place. The authorities later reversed their position, confirming the incident and assuring the public that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has reportedly held a series of meetings with community and traditional leaders in surrounding villages, including Fulani ardos and youth leaders, as part of efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and enlist local support in tackling insecurity in the area.

When contacted on the reported discovery of the 80 victims, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Mansir Hassan, said the command was still working to obtain a comprehensive official report before issuing a formal statement.