Eighty Kaduna Worshippers Return After Escaping Bandit Attack

Approximately 80 worshippers who fled during a bandit attack on the Kurmin Wali community in Kaduna State’s Kajuru Local Government Area have returned home, after spending nearly two weeks seeking refuge in neighboring villages.

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development on Sunday. He clarified that while initial reports suggested 177 people were abducted during the Sunday night assault, it was later confirmed that 80 had managed to escape. However, 86 worshippers remain in captivity.

“We are appealing to the government and the military to expedite action to secure the safe return of the remaining 86 people still in the bandits’ camp,” Dan’azumi stated, expressing concern that the community’s plight was being politicized.

A military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, linked the return to sustained security operations targeting bandit hideouts in Kajuru and surrounding forest areas. Community sources also noted increased military patrols had allowed some displaced residents to cautiously return.

The incident occurred when armed men stormed the community during a worship service, abducting several people and forcing others to flee.

In a related development, bandits launched a fresh attack on the Maikori community in Kajuru on Tuesday, killing three residents identified by a local source as Hassan Agola, Lawal Samson, and Baba Apolo. This latest violence has heightened tensions, with residents calling for a stronger permanent security presence.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.

Kajuru Local Government Area remains a hotspot for banditry in Kaduna State, suffering repeated attacks that have led to significant loss of life, displacement, and property destruction.