The full identities of the 177 worshippers abducted from ECWA Church and Cherubim and Seraphim Churches 1 and 2 in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have now been revealed, painting a devastating picture of an entire community ripped apart.
The list shows that whole families were taken during the Sunday attack, leaving Kurmin Wali traumatised, emptied of residents, and struggling to cope with the scale of the tragedy. Many homes have been completely wiped out of able-bodied occupants, as parents, children, and even the elderly were dragged away from places of worship.
The attack reportedly happened barely a week after the same community raised N2.6 million to secure the release of 20 residents abducted earlier. Despite initial denials by government officials and security agencies, a police situation report obtained later confirmed that the abduction indeed took place during church services.
According to the report, the assailants struck around 11:25 a.m., firing sporadically and forcing worshippers to flee into nearby forests. Security forces were mobilised, but poor road access delayed immediate intervention, allowing the attackers to escape with their captives.
By Monday, Kurmin Wali had become almost deserted. Survivors fled to neighbouring communities to seek refuge with relatives and friends. Those who sustained injuries during their escape were said to be in shock, while poor network coverage and lost phones made communication difficult.
An analysis of the victims’ names revealed the scale of devastation suffered by families. The Jonathan family lost 12 members, the Amos family 13, Markus/Makudi 10, Ishaya and Danisa seven each, while Bawa lost six members. Several other households lost between two and five family members. The oldest victim is 71-year-old Augustina Matthew, while the youngest is six-year-old Salvation Idris.
Human rights groups have strongly criticised the initial denial of the incident. Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N) insisted the abduction occurred and accused security operatives of blocking independent verification. The group claimed its team was stopped and turned back by the military shortly after the incident, despite presenting valid identification.
CSW-N further stated that the attackers arrived on motorcycles and on foot, splitting into groups to simultaneously target the churches. While some elderly women and young children were reportedly released later, the majority of the victims remain in captivity.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the FCT, Rev. Dr. Joseph Hayab, accused security agents of failing to act decisively. He argued that a swift pursuit could have prevented the bandits from escaping with such a large number of victims.
International reactions have also followed. A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley Moore, described the incident as horrific and urged the Nigerian government to ensure the victims’ safe return. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi also condemned the abduction, calling it unacceptable and warning that Nigeria was sinking deeper into insecurity.
Adding to the horror, another kidnapping incident reportedly occurred earlier the same day in Kujama, near Kajuru, where bandits abducted two women and a young boy, demanding a total ransom of N150 million. One of the women, a nursing mother, was taken away while her baby was left behind, an act that has deeply shocked residents.
As families wait in anguish, the revelation of the victims’ names has intensified calls for urgent action, accountability, and a renewed commitment by authorities to protect vulnerable communities and rescue those still held captive.
