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Kaduna State has witnessed a violent assault on places of worship as Islamist militants targeted two churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area.
Ejes Gist News reports that over 170 worshippers were abducted during Sunday services, marking one of the most significant church attacks in the region in recent years.
Eyewitness accounts confirm that the attackers struck without warning while congregants were attending services at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim churches. The assailants reportedly stormed the premises, forcibly taking the worshippers before fleeing the scene.
Sources indicate that nine of the victims, considered vulnerable, managed to escape and return home. The remaining 163 individuals are reportedly still in the custody of the abductors.
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Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern region, confirmed the abductions to Daily Trust, describing the incident as deeply troubling. He stated, “I don’t like talking about the figures but what I got from the area is 172 were said to have been abducted and 9 managed to escape, with the remaining 163 people still with the abductors. It’s a very tough and sad thing but we will not give up.”
Hayab emphasized ongoing collaboration with security agencies and government authorities to ensure the safe return of the victims. “Whatever the reason, we are not going to give up. We want to work with the security agencies and the government to ensure that these people return safely.
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We know the efforts that have been put in place by security and the government to ensure that there’s restoration of peace, so we cannot be accusing people. If they [bandits] are doing it to provoke anger, they will be surprised. We’ll get our people back just as others have been coming back these days. These people will come back,” he said.
The Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Police Force have not issued any official statements on the attack as of the filing of this report. Security analysts warn that such incidents reflect growing insecurity in rural communities, particularly in Southern Kaduna, where church attacks and abductions have been recurring over the past decade.
Church leaders in the region have called for heightened vigilance and reinforced security at places of worship. According to reports from local residents, communities in Kajuru and surrounding areas have been on high alert following repeated threats of attacks by armed Islamist groups.
Security experts note that the kidnapping of worshippers is a tactic increasingly used to destabilize rural communities and instill fear among residents. Analysts argue that prompt intervention by state and federal security forces is critical to preventing further escalation.
Humanitarian agencies have expressed concern over the welfare of the abducted individuals. The majority are believed to include women, children, and elderly congregants, heightening fears for their safety under captivity.
Ejes Gist News can authoritatively report that the Kaduna State government is reportedly coordinating with the military and police units to track the abductors and negotiate the release of the victims. Previous similar abductions in the state have occasionally ended with the release of hostages following negotiation or military intervention, though some have tragically resulted in casualties.
Security challenges in Kaduna have persisted despite various government initiatives. Experts attribute the rise in attacks to the proliferation of armed groups exploiting limited rural security coverage. Analysts stress the importance of intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and strategic deployment of security personnel to vulnerable areas.
Religious bodies in Kaduna have reiterated the need for national attention and policy measures addressing rural insecurity. CAN officials urge authorities to strengthen local vigilance networks, improve rapid response mechanisms, and provide adequate protection to churches and other community gathering points.
Community members in Kurmin Wali expressed outrage over the attack, noting the psychological and social impact on families whose loved ones remain in captivity. Local sources reported that children and elderly victims are particularly traumatized, emphasizing the urgent need for psychological support alongside security interventions.
This incident underscores the continued volatility in Kaduna State and other northern regions, where sporadic attacks on religious institutions and abductions remain a pressing security concern. Analysts warn that without sustained intervention, rural communities are likely to remain vulnerable to similar attacks.
Authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies while efforts to rescue the abducted worshippers continue.
Ejes Gist News will continue to provide updates on this developing situation as more information becomes available from Kaduna State authorities and security agencies.
