Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has confirmed the rescue of 82 worshippers abducted during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state.
The worshippers were rescued through a joint security operation coordinated by the Kaduna State Government, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Governor Sani disclosed the development on Wednesday while visiting the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support.
However, a credible security source revealed that the number of those freed during the operation was over 100, including children and infants, suggesting that more victims may have been rescued than officially confirmed.
According to the source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving DSS operatives, ONSA officials and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.
Bandits had stormed the church in Kurmin Wali on January 18, abducting 177 worshippers during a service and plunging the community into fear and grief.
In the days following the attack, 11 victims reportedly escaped or were released, leaving 166 worshippers in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.
During his visit, Governor Sani sympathised with the victims and their families, describing their ordeal as traumatic, and assured residents of Kurmin Wali that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still being held.
He expressed optimism that the remaining abductees would regain their freedom within a few days.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping across Kaduna State, stressing that no effort would be spared to ensure the safe return of every victim.
Sani commended the DSS, ONSA and other security agencies for their gallantry, professionalism and swift response, which he said made the rescue operation successful.
He also called on residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the area.
