GUNMEN attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on January 18, 2026, during Sunday services.
The targeted churches included an Evangelical Church Winning All branch and two Cherubim and Seraphim branches.
Reports indicate that between 160 and 177 worshippers were abducted, with 11 later escaping and returning home safely, leaving around 166 still in captivity.
Kaduna State authorities initially denied the incident. The police commissioner and Kajuru LGA chairman stated that security teams visited the area and found no evidence of an attack or abductions.
They described the reports as false rumours spread by mischief makers to cause panic and undermine the relative peace in the area.
Church leaders and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) rejected these claims, insisting the abductions were real based on direct accounts from survivors and local sources.
The Nigeria Police Force headquarters later confirmed the abduction.
A statement explained that further verification from operational units and intelligence sources proved the incident occurred. The earlier denial was attributed to initial confusion during a security council meeting.
Inspector-General of Police ordered intensified search-and-rescue operations, with tactical teams deployed to locate and free the victims.
Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali on January 21, 2026. He met with community leaders, injured residents, and families of the abducted.
The governor assured full medical care for victims, promised infrastructure improvements, including a healthcare centre and access roads, and advocated for a permanent military base in the area.
He also briefed President Bola Tinubu and top security officials for coordinated federal support.
Controversy persists over restricted access to the community. Journalists and independent fact-finding teams have reported difficulties reaching the scene.
Claims include soldiers blocking entry under standing orders and local officials instructing residents not to speak to outsiders or share details with the media.
These restrictions have made independent verification challenging amid ongoing rescue efforts.
The incident has highlighted ongoing insecurity in rural Kaduna, where banditry and kidnappings remain common.
Rights groups and community associations have called for better communication from security agencies and urgent action to secure the release of the remaining victims.