Day Bandits Emptied Churches In Kaduna’s Kurnmin Wali

Kurmin Wali, a farming community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was plunged into fear on Sunday after bandits abducted over 100 worshippers. AZA MSUE reports

Survivors of Kurmin Wali were still recounting their ordeals as gunmen stormed the once-booming community and kidnapped over 100 worshippers from three churches during service on that fateful day.

The affected churches were Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and 2, as well as the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

For villagers and survivors, the incident was a horrific experience that many say will remain etched in their memories for years to come.

Residents who escaped the attack told our correspondent that on Sunday, January 18, 2026, gunmen in large numbers entered the community from different directions, surrounded the three churches, and carted away worshippers. Among the victims were the young, the elderly, and children.

Survivors further revealed that the attackers also went from house to house in search of residents who were not present in church during the service.

Cause of the Attack

According to the Kurmin Wali village head, Ishaku Dan’azumi, the bandits accused the community of stealing 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations in Kajuru Local Government Area.

The traditional ruler further disclosed that the attackers also accused the community of removing parts from some of the remaining motorcycles.

Giving an eyewitness account to LEADERSHIP Sunday, a resident, John Musa, who narrowly escaped abduction, said he had left the church to pick money for offering.

“I went home to pick money for church offering. When the service was going on, I discovered that I did not carry my offering money. I left the church and went home, and before I came back, I saw someone running towards our compound screaming ‘kidnappers.’ I followed him and we ran into a nearby bush to hide,” he said.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Yohana, said the community had suffered repeated attacks.

“The kidnappers abducted some of our people early this year in January.

They released them last Friday after we gathered money and paid ransom.

A few days later, on Sunday, they came again and abducted over 100 worshippers.

“I was not present because I left home early in the morning to go to Kachia town to buy some items. Before I returned, this incident had already happened. Four of my brothers were kidnapped.

“We are pleading with the government and security agencies to fast-track the release of our people.”

Another survivor, Joseph Ishaku, said the attackers invaded the community while residents were gathered for worship.

He explained that the assailants ordered worshippers to lie face down before marching them towards a nearby bush.

According to him, he managed to escape during the confusion and later found his way to safety.

Despite the traumatic experience, Ishaku commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for visiting the community, expressing confidence in the governor’s commitment to the security and wellbeing of residents.

Governor Assures Community

Governor Uba Sani, who visited Kurmin Wali, said security agencies were working round the clock to ensure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.

“In the last two days, we have been collaborating with the relevant security agencies , the military, the DSS, the police, and the Office of the National Security Adviser , to ensure the quick return and recovery of our people who were abducted in this very important community,” the governor said.

“We are talking about the sanctity of human life and dignity here. That is why we will go to any length, in collaboration with the security agencies, to ensure the quick return of our people in Kurmin Wali.”

Governor Sani also promised that the Kaduna State Government would foot the medical bills of residents who sustained injuries during the attack.

He further disclosed plans to liaise with the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, to station a military base in the community, given its proximity to kidnapping black spots.

During the visit, the governor also promised that the road linking Kurmin Wali to the highway would be constructed to improve access to the community.

He added that the state government would build a Primary Healthcare Centre in Kurmin Wali.

“The people of Kurmin Wali, just like other communities in Kaduna State, have absolute trust and belief in our government because they know we are running an inclusive government,” he said.

“We protect the lives of everyone, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliation. We are one in Kaduna State.”

SMBLF Condemns Attack

Meanwhile, the Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has strongly condemned the mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali, calling on governors to immediately form a joint regional security outfit similar to the South-West model.

In a statement jointly issued by Afenifere leader, HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Pogu; president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata; and PANDEF national chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, the forum urged the federal government to deploy all necessary military and intelligence resources to secure the release of the abducted victims.

The statement also called on Governor Uba Sani to urgently establish and properly fund community-based vigilante formations across Southern Kaduna as a first line of defence.

“The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum joins all people of conscience in condemning the heinous and barbaric kidnapping of 177 innocent Adara natives from Kurmin Wali village, Afogo Ward, Kajuru local government area of S

southern Kaduna,” the statement read.

It added that the formation of state police had become long overdue and urged the National Assembly to urgently begin legislative action to make it a reality.