The mass abduction of worshippers during services in three churches in Kurmin Wali, Southern Kaduna, has again exposed the deep security challenges facing rural communities in Kaduna State. Armed attackers reportedly stormed the area earlier this month and abducted no fewer than 166 villagers, including women and children, triggering outrage and renewed calls for decisive intervention.
A source familiar with developments described the attack as “evil, barbaric and completely unacceptable,” calling it a direct assault on peace, religious freedom and coexistence in the area. After visiting the community on January 21, the source said families were traumatised, gripped by fear, yet hopeful that authorities would act swiftly to secure the victims’ release.
He stressed that the immediate priority must be the safe rescue of all abducted persons, alongside a broader crackdown on kidnapping and banditry networks operating across Kaduna State. According to him, the cycle of attacks highlights the need to move from reactive responses to proactive, intelligence-driven security strategies, including access roads and permanent police outposts in vulnerable communities.
The source commended Governor Uba Sani for visiting Kurmin Wali, describing him as the first sitting governor to do so. During the visit, the governor reportedly directed road construction and promised improved healthcare, stronger security presence and other infrastructure, gestures the source said deserve recognition even as more action is required.
He also acknowledged federal efforts, praising President Bola Tinubu for deploying national security mechanisms and noting the appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) as Minister of Defence as a signal of seriousness in tackling insecurity, while insisting that more sustained action is still needed.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has urged patience, assuring families that the safe rescue of the captives remains a top priority. In a statement by Major General Michael Onoja, the military said troops are conducting coordinated, intelligence-driven operations across Kurmin Wali and surrounding forest areas, combining patrols, surveillance and targeted actions aimed at freeing the hostages without exposing them to harm.
The DHQ explained that some operational steps may appear restrained but are deliberate to protect the lives of the abducted victims. It added that sensitive details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, while reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to dismantling the criminal networks behind the attack and reuniting the captives with their families.
