Worshippers abducted from churches in Kurmin Wali town, in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on January 18, 2026, have been released.
A community leader, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said heavy-duty vehicles were seen entering a forest around Maro town between 11 p.m. and midnight before returning with the abducted worshippers between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
“Between about 11 p.m. and midnight, we received information that large vehicles entered the forest. Later, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., they emerged with the abducted people from the Maro axis,” the source said.
“We do not know who went to collect them or who facilitated their release. It is also unclear whether all of them have been freed, but their release has been confirmed.”
It remains uncertain whether any ransom was paid or if the 17 motorcycles reportedly demanded by the abductors were handed over.
A total of 177 worshippers were kidnapped during the attack on Kurmin Wali. However, 80 victims—mostly children—escaped during the assault and sought refuge in nearby forest settlements.