No fewer than 80 worshippers who escaped during a bandit attack on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have returned to their homes after spending nearly two weeks in neighbouring villages.
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the development on Sunday, explaining that the worshippers fled during the attack and sought refuge in nearby communities for safety.
Dan’azumi said initial reports suggested that about 177 worshippers were abducted when armed men stormed the community during a worship session.
However, further verification revealed that 80 of them managed to escape, while 86 others remain in captivity.
He appealed to the Federal Government and the military to intensify efforts to rescue those still being held by the bandits, noting that families of the abducted victims are experiencing severe emotional trauma.
“We are worried that some people are politicising our suffering, even as families are passing through deep pain,” he said. “We are appealing for urgent action to secure the safe release of the remaining victims.”
A military source attributed the return of the escaped worshippers to sustained security operations targeting bandit hideouts within Kajuru and surrounding forest areas.
The source added that intensified patrols have made it possible for some displaced residents to cautiously return home.
Details surrounding how the worshippers escaped remain unclear, as well as the conditions of those still in captivity.
The development comes amid renewed violence in the area.
On Tuesday, bandits reportedly attacked Maikori community in Maro Ward of Kajuru Local Government Area, killing three residents and further heightening tension.
Residents and community leaders have renewed calls for a stronger and permanent security presence in Kajuru, which has remained a hotspot for bandit attacks over the years.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had not responded to calls or messages seeking comment.
More details later…
