Community releases list after official denials by security forces
In a dramatic escalation of the security crisis in Kaduna State, the names of 177 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kajuru Local Government Area have been made public.
The list was released by the affected community of Kurmin Wali on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, directly challenging the earlier claims by the Kaduna State Government and the Police Command that no kidnapping had occurred. The disclosure reveals a harrowing reality where entire families were taken, leaving the village virtually deserted and traumatized.
The abduction, which took place on Sunday, January 18, targeted worshippers at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and two Cherubim and Seraphim churches. According to the released data, the perpetrators struck around 11:25 AM, surrounding the buildings and marching congregants into the surrounding forests. The list highlights the devastating impact on specific households, such as the Jonathan family with 12 members taken and the Amos family with 13 members currently in captivity.
Among the victims is the oldest captive, 71-year-old Augustine Matthew, and several children as young as six, including Salvation Idris and Likita Amos. The community stated that the bandits identified themselves as Fulani militants and warned that anyone attempting to flee would be shot. This massive operation followed a separate incident just a week prior, where the same community was forced to pay N2.6 million to secure the release of 20 previously abducted residents.
Police admit to attack despite previous “falsehood” claims
The release of the names has forced a sharp U-turn from security agencies who had initially labeled the reports as “falsehoods” spread by “conflict entrepreneurs.” Commissioner of Police Muhammad Rabiu had earlier challenged anyone to provide the names and particulars of the alleged victims, threatening legal action against “rumor-mongers.” However, a leaked internal police situation report and a subsequent statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, have since acknowledged that an attack did indeed occur.
The leaked report confirmed that the District Police Officer (DPO) for Kajuru received information about the attack at 5:45 PM on the day of the incident. It noted that security forces were mobilized but faced significant challenges reaching the scene due to the remote location and poor road conditions. This admission has sparked fresh outrage among residents and human rights groups, who accuse the authorities of wasting critical hours in “denial mode” rather than launching immediate rescue operations.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has been at the forefront of verifying the incident, with its Northern Chapter Chairman, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, insisting that their grassroots communication network remains infallible. Hayab noted that while 172 people were initially moved, several managed to escape shortly after the attack, leaving the current number of captives at approximately 166. The association is now calling for an urgent federal intervention to prevent what it describes as the systematic targeting of rural Christian communities.
International community and politicians demand swift action
The scale of the Kurmin Wali abduction has drawn attention from international observers and national political figures. United States lawmaker Rep. Riley Moore described the news as “horrific” and urged the Nigerian government to ensure the swift and safe return of the “brothers and sisters in Christ” currently facing an existential threat. This external pressure is mounting as the Tinubu administration faces continued scrutiny over its ability to protect vulnerable citizens in the North-West and North-Central regions.
Domestic opposition figures have also used the incident to criticize the current security architecture. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the abduction and the subsequent government denial as a “grave indictment” of the ruling party’s failure to secure the nation. Meanwhile, the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, who was among those who narrowly escaped, has publicly challenged the state’s narrative, stating that “anyone who says it didn’t happen is lying.”
As the search and rescue mission finally gains momentum, the families of the abducted worshippers remain in a state of agonizing suspense. The released list has become a symbol of their resolve to ensure their loved ones are not forgotten by a government that initially refused to acknowledge their disappearance. With the names now public, the burden of proof has shifted entirely to the state to bring the 177 victims back to their community alive and well.
