The Village Head of Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, has expressed concern over the safety of Christian worshippers abducted by bandits during a church attack in the area.
A total of 177 worshippers were initially taken during the assault, but 11 later escaped, leaving 166 people — including women and children — still being held by the kidnappers.
The traditional ruler disclosed that the armed group was sighted on Thursday morning moving with their captives along the Maro axis of the local government area.
Speaking in a telephone interview, Dan’azumi said the bandits and their victims were seen trekking on foot between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities, although their final destination could not be confirmed.
“They called us yesterday evening and threatened the community, accusing us of bringing soldiers. They said we were claiming to have ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence,” the traditional ruler said.
“We explained to them that we don’t have anybody and that we did not invite the soldiers. After that conversation, they ended the call, and we have not heard from them again.”
He further stated that residents later received reports early Thursday indicating that the abductors and the captives were moving through bush paths linking Ungwan Gamu and Maro.
“This morning, we were told that they were seen moving on foot with our people between Ungwan Gamu and Maro, but we do not know exactly where they are heading,” Dan’azumi said.
The village head appealed to security agencies to intensify surveillance and rescue efforts, expressing deep worry about the welfare of those still in captivity.
According to a report by Punch, Kurmin Wali, Ungwan Gamu and Maro are rural settlements in Kajuru, an area long plagued by banditry and kidnapping in Southern Kaduna. The terrain, characterised by thick forests and difficult landscapes, has served as a hideout for armed groups attacking nearby communities.
Residents of Kajuru have suffered repeated incidents of mass abductions, killings and destruction of farmlands, forcing many villagers to abandon their homes due to worsening insecurity.
Despite sustained military operations in parts of Southern Kaduna, attacks have continued, frequently targeting churches, farmlands and highways.
The 177 worshippers were abducted on Sunday during church services in Kurmin Wali, triggering public outrage and renewed calls by religious leaders, community stakeholders and civil society groups for decisive government action.
Earlier reports indicated that the bandits demanded ₦28.9 million for 17 motorcycles they claimed were lost during recent military operations before any ransom talks for the captives could begin.
According to community leaders and family members, the armed group insisted that each motorcycle was valued at ₦1.7 million and that the full amount must be paid before they would disclose the ransom demanded for the release of the abducted worshippers.
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