The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Danazumi, has confirmed that eighty worshippers who fled during a bandit attack in the Kajuru area of Kaduna State have returned after spending nearly two weeks in neighbouring villages. He explained that although early reports suggested about one hundred and seventy seven abductees, later checks showed that eighty had escaped and taken refuge in nearby communities. He added that eighty six worshippers remain in captivity.
Danazumi urged government and military authorities to act swiftly, warning that some individuals were trying to politicise the community’s suffering. A military source said the return of the displaced worshippers followed ongoing operations aimed at bandit hideouts across Kajuru and surrounding forest corridors, though the details of the escape remain unclear.
The development comes amid renewed violence in the region. On Tuesday, bandits reportedly attacked Maikori in Maro Ward, killing three residents identified as Hassan Agola, Lawal Samson and Baba Apolo. The Kurmin Wali incident occurred during a Sunday worship session when armed men invaded the community, abducting several worshippers and forcing many others to flee.
Families of those still in captivity remain anxious but hopeful as military patrols and offensive operations intensify. Community members say these efforts have allowed some displaced residents to cautiously return home. Heightened tension across Kajuru has led to renewed calls for a stronger and more permanent security presence.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan said the police would soon release a comprehensive report on the Kurmin Wali attack. Kajuru has become one of the major flashpoints of banditry in Kaduna State, with repeated attacks causing loss of life, displacement and destruction of property.
