The recent mass abduction of worshippers during church services in Kurmin Wali, a rural community in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing rural areas of the state.
The attack, which occurred earlier this month, saw armed assailants storm three churches during worship and abduct no fewer than 166 villagers, including women and children. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation both within and outside the country, renewing calls for urgent and decisive action by the government to address insecurity in vulnerable communities.
A stakeholder familiar with developments in the state described the attack as “evil, barbaric and completely unacceptable,” stressing that it represents a direct assault on peace, religious freedom and long-standing coexistence in Southern Kaduna.
“The abduction of worshippers during a church service in Kurmin Wali is evil, barbaric and completely unacceptable. Preliminary reports indicate that no fewer than 166 innocent villagers were taken by armed assailants. This act strikes at the heart of peace, religious freedom and coexistence in Southern Kaduna and deserves total condemnation,” the source said.
The stakeholder, who visited Kurmin Wali days after the attack to commiserate with affected families, said the community remains deeply traumatised, though residents still cling to hope that the government will act decisively.
“I visited Kurmin Wali on Tuesday, January 21, 2026, to commiserate with the people. What I saw was heartbreaking — families in distress, a traumatised community and deep fear among residents,” he added.
Urgent call for rescue and security overhaul
According to him, the immediate priority must be the safe release of all abducted persons, alongside a comprehensive crackdown on kidnapping and banditry networks operating across Kaduna State.
“There is an urgent need for both the federal and Kaduna State governments to take decisive steps to ensure the immediate and safe release of all abducted persons. Beyond rescue efforts, there must be a total clampdown on armed banditry and kidnapping networks in Kaduna State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Despite the tragic nature of the incident, the stakeholder commended Governor Uba Sani for what he described as a prompt and empathetic response to the plight of the community.
“Leadership must be acknowledged when it responds responsibly. Governor Uba Sani promptly visited Kurmin Wali to commiserate with the people. He is the first sitting governor to visit the community. During the visit, he issued directives on road construction and assured residents of improved healthcare facilities, enhanced security presence and other infrastructural interventions. These commitments deserve recognition, although more still needs to be done,” he noted.
While acknowledging efforts by both the federal and state governments since assuming office, he maintained that existing security measures remain insufficient to prevent repeated attacks in rural communities.
“There have been commendable efforts by both the Federal and State governments, but clearly more needs to be done. Security measures must be significantly intensified, including the construction of access roads and the establishment of permanent police outposts in Kurmin Wali and neighbouring communities to deter future attacks.
“There must also be a deliberate shift from reactive responses to proactive, intelligence-driven security strategies. Sustainable interventions are required to halt the cycle of violence, kidnapping, displacement and trauma that continues to afflict rural communities in Southern Kaduna,” he said.
National security response
The stakeholder further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deploying national security mechanisms to tackle insecurity, while acknowledging that challenges persist.
“We appreciate the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in deploying national security mechanisms to protect lives and property. While challenges remain, his administration deserves encouragement to do even more,” he said.
He also described the appointment of General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) as Minister of Defence shortly after his retirement as a sign of seriousness in addressing national security challenges, noting that many in Southern Kaduna support calls for him to be entrusted with higher national responsibility in the future.
“There is strong solidarity with the Kurmin Wali community and all affected families. The demand remains for justice, lasting safety and dignity for the people. There is also readiness to support all genuine efforts by government to restore peace, security and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
Military assures on rescue efforts
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has assured displaced residents of Kurmin Wali and the general public of its commitment to the safe rescue of victims abducted by bandits in the area, while appealing for patience.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military acknowledged the concerns and anxiety of families of the abducted victims, stressing that their safe rescue and reintegration remain a top priority for the Armed Forces.
The statement dismissed claims of reduced military response, explaining that troops, working closely with other security agencies, are conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations within Kurmin Wali and surrounding forested areas suspected to serve as hideouts for the kidnappers.
According to the military, the ongoing operations involve coordinated ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering and carefully targeted actions aimed at locating the perpetrators and securing the release of the captives without endangering their lives.
While some actions may appear restrained, the Defence Headquarters said such measures are deliberate and guided by the need to protect the hostages and avoid unintended harm.
Reaffirming its constitutional mandate, the Armed Forces pledged to remain resolute in protecting lives and property and committed to reuniting the abducted Kurmin Wali victims with their families. The military also appealed to the public for continued support, patience and cooperation as operations progress toward a successful outcome.
Mass Abduction of Worshippers in Southern Kaduna Sparks Fresh Outcry Over Rural Insecurity
