Military authorities have intensified operations across forest corridors in southern Kaduna following the mass abduction of worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, as political leaders, religious groups, and civil society organisations condemned the attack and demanded swift action.
Multiple security sources confirmed that the attackers were bandits fleeing sustained military offensives in parts of neighbouring Kauru Local Government Area, where troops had recently dislodged armed groups from long-established camps.
The camps, located around Gabachua, Legede, and the Agwalla mountain and forest corridors, were said to have served as operational bases for kidnappings, cattle rustling, and violent attacks across southern and central Kaduna.
According to military sources, the abduction was not random but appeared retaliatory, as the bandits allegedly lost logistics, including motorcycles, during recent operations. Troops were said to be conducting hot pursuit and exploitation operations to track the fleeing gunmen and rescue the abducted victims.
The Commandant of the 2 National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf, Navy Captain I.T. Akaazua, confirmed that troops had rescued three kidnapped victims, including a child, and destroyed several terrorist camps during ongoing operations in Kauru Local Government Area. He said the rugged terrain and dense forests posed significant challenges to security operations.
The Adara Development Association raised the alarm over what it described as coordinated attacks on three churches, providing a breakdown of victims abducted from the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Churches I and II, as well as the Evangelical Church Winning All. The group accused local authorities of initially denying the incident despite eyewitness accounts and demanded a public apology.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the abductions, warning that peace deals with criminals often favour bandits over victims. He urged the government to prioritize deterrence and results over rhetoric, stressing that negotiations should not be dictated by criminals.
The African Democratic Congress in Kaduna State called on the Federal and state governments to ensure the immediate rescue of the abducted worshippers, describing the incident as a painful reminder of worsening insecurity. The party criticized official denials, warning that such responses erode public confidence.
The Christian Association of Nigeria faulted the initial communication by security agencies, saying premature dismissal of reports before proper verification created confusion and undermined trust among victims and the public.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, visited Kurmin Wali on Wednesday under tight security, commiserating with residents and assuring them of the government’s commitment to securing the release of the abducted worshippers.
“Every life matters in Kaduna State,” the governor said, adding that the state government was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims and provide care for those injured during the attack.
Residents and community leaders have continued to call for sustained military pressure, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger protection for vulnerable communities across southern Kaduna.
