166 Kidnapped Worshippers Freed in Kaduna, Nigeria

Every person abducted during a church attack in Kaduna State, Nigeria has been reunited with their families after 14 days in captivity.

On January 18, gunmen stormed a worship service in Kurmin Wali village, taking 177 people hostage. About 80 people, mostly children, managed to escape during the chaos and found shelter in nearby forest settlements.

The remaining 166 captives, including men, women, and children, were released late Wednesday night. They arrived at the Kaduna State Government House around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, where officials welcomed them home.

Village head Ishaku Dan'azumi expressed gratitude to the state government and security forces. "We are happy and they are currently with the government," he told reporters.

A community leader described how residents witnessed large vehicles entering the forest around midnight. Between 1 and 2 a.m., the vehicles emerged carrying the freed worshippers.

The Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release. Both the Northern Chairman John Hayab and state Chairman Caleb Ma'aji verified that all hostages returned safely.

The Bright Side

Photos showed the freed worshippers wearing matching yellow polo shirts and caps, suggesting they received care and clothing after their ordeal. The coordinated outfits symbolized their unity and safe return to the community.

Earlier in the week, Governor Uba Sani visited the 80 people who had escaped, now receiving medical care and counseling at the Kaduna State Women and Children's Shelter. He described their experience as harrowing but promised continued government support.

The successful release represents a collaborative effort between state officials, security agencies, and community members who never stopped working toward this outcome. Families in Kurmin Wali can now begin the healing process together, their community whole once more.