Eighty worshippers who fled their community during a
deadly church attack in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have
returned home, even as dozens of others remain in the custody of abductors.
The village head, Ishaku Danazumi, confirmed the
development, explaining that the returnees escaped when gunmen invaded the
community during a church service on January 18, 2026. During the attack,
several worshippers were kidnapped, while others ran into surrounding areas to
save their lives.
Danazumi said the returnees came back almost two weeks
after the incident and were in good health. He added that although 80 people
managed to evade abduction, 86 worshippers are still being held by the
kidnappers.
Security sources linked the return of the displaced
residents to intensified military operations targeting bandit camps in Kajuru
and neighbouring forest corridors.
Confirming police involvement, the Kaduna State Police
Command spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, said the Divisional Police Officer of
Kajuru visited the community, where the victims were identified, documented,
and debriefed.
The attack was part of a broader wave of violence last
month, during which more than 100 people were abducted after gunmen targeted
three churches in the area.
Although state authorities initially denied the
incident following reports by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the
Nigeria Police Force later confirmed that the abductions did occur.
Governor Uba Sani subsequently visited the affected
community, assuring residents that efforts were underway to secure the safe
return of those still in captivity. He emphasized the state government’s
commitment to protecting all citizens, regardless of religious or ethnic
background.
The incident has also drawn international attention,
with U.S. authorities and human rights groups urging Nigerian security agencies
to intensify efforts to rescue the remaining abducted worshippers.
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