Ishaku Dan’azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has confirmed that 80 worshippers abducted during a January attack on churches in the community have escaped, while 86 others remain in captivity.
Gunmen had attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali, abducting about 177 worshippers. Eleven victims reportedly escaped while being taken away by the attackers.
Speaking with TheCable, Dan’azumi said the 80 worshippers managed to flee on the day of the attack but were unable to return immediately after losing their way in the forest.
According to him, the escapees ran deep into the forest and went into hiding out of fear.
“We have now confirmed that 80 of our people were found in different locations. They escaped into the forest on the day of the incident and hid because they were afraid,” he said.
Dan’azumi explained that contact was re-established a few days ago after one of the victims reached out to the community and disclosed their location, prompting the mobilisation of search teams.
“One of them called and told us where they were. We sent people to verify and confirmed their whereabouts,” he added.
He said the victims were too frightened to return earlier, believing their village may have suffered the same fate as a nearby community that was previously attacked and razed by bandits.
A headcount conducted on Friday confirmed that 80 victims were located in various forest settlements, while search efforts are ongoing to determine whether more abductees are still in hiding.
Dan’azumi said the authorities have been formally briefed on the development.
“We have informed the government that 80 people have been found. They want us to gather them together, but fear is preventing many from returning,” he said, adding that communication has been established with all those located so far.