Security agencies intensify operations as communities demand lasting protection
More than 160 worshippers abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom after weeks in captivity, PLATFORM TIMES has learnt.
Sources with knowledge of the development confirmed on Thursday that the victims, who were kidnapped during a religious gathering on January 18, were released and were being evacuated to the Kaduna State Government House for medical checks, profiling and reunion with their families.
Although details surrounding their release remained sketchy as of press time, security sources said efforts were ongoing to establish whether ransom was paid or whether the victims were rescued through pressure mounted by security operatives.
The worshippers men, women and youths — were seized when heavily armed gunmen stormed Kurmin Wali village during a church service, shooting sporadically and whisking away over 160 persons into the forest
Following the abduction, the kidnappers were reported to have demanded N250 million and 20 motorcycles as ransom, triggering outrage and fear across communities in southern Kaduna already battered by years of violent attacks, mass kidnappings and arson.
Residents of Kajuru and neighbouring areas have repeatedly decried the worsening insecurity, lamenting that many villages have been deserted as farmers abandon their lands and families flee to safer towns for fear of attacks.
Community leaders had appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and deploy permanent security presence in vulnerable rural settlements.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Muhammad Rabiu, visited Kurmin Wali and adjoining communities after the attack, assuring residents of intensified operations to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted worshippers.
Thursday’s development, however, has brought relief to families and faith communities who had endured weeks of anguish over the fate of their loved ones, even as calls persist for sustained action to halt the cycle of mass abductions in Kaduna’s rural communities.
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