Survivors of the mass abduction at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have recounted about three weeks of harrowing experiences in the hands of bandits, describing hunger, beatings, threats and nights spent in the open forest before their eventual rescue.
The worshippers were kidnapped from churches in Kurmin Wali town in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on January 18, 2026.
The victims spoke in separate interviews with journalists yesterday after Governor Uba Sani received them at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, where they expressed gratitude for their freedom and prayed that no one would ever go through such an ordeal.
One female survivor, who spoke while holding her baby and requested anonymity, said the abductees were fed only four times throughout their captivity.
“I don’t know whether money was paid before we were released. They just asked us to stand up; the rest is history,” she said.
“They fed us with raw corn flour only four times. We mixed it with water just to have something in our stomach. We slept in the open and were always relieved when the wind blew because it helped to keep mosquitoes away,” she added.
According to her, the kidnappers seized their phones and constantly threatened them, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
“My worst moment was when they flogged my husband and other men. I feared for their lives, but I thank God that we were rescued alive,” she said, adding that she was grateful to God for her freedom.
Another survivor, a male who also requested anonymity, thanked the Kaduna State Government, the military and other security agencies for securing their release.
“We really suffered in captivity, but it is comforting that the authorities have promised improved security presence, better roads and other infrastructure in our community,” he said.
Goodwill messages were also delivered to the rescued victims by leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, as well as elders from Kurmin Wali community.
All the abducted persons have now regained freedom, although 11 of them were earlier hospitalised for medical attention.
Addressing the victims, Governor Uba Sani described the occasion as a day of joy and thanksgiving, stressing that security remains a top priority for his administration.
“When this unfortunate incident happened, we immediately mobilised all security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the safe return of our people,” the governor said.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their support, as well as the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army, the Police and other security outfits involved in the rescue operation.
“For us, even one person abducted is unacceptable. That is why we refused to politicise the situation. Our focus was to ensure that every single person returned safely,” Sani stated.
Giving a breakdown of the figures, the governor said 183 persons were initially abducted. Eleven were released earlier and taken to hospital, 83 regained freedom days ago, while the remaining 89 were rescued on Wednesday.
“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing,” he added.
Sani disclosed that the state government has requested the establishment of a military base around the Kajuru–Kachia axis, particularly near the Regina area along the Kaduna–Abuja corridor, noting that President Tinubu has assured him that the request will be granted.
According to the governor, the rescued victims will undergo medical examinations and psychosocial support before returning home, while the state government will assist them in rebuilding their livelihoods.