Nigerias Kurmin Wali Abduction Victims Released According to Christian Group Statement

Nigerian Government Confirms Release of Kidnapped Villagers

The Nigerian government has not yet publicly confirmed the release of 166 villagers and churchgoers who were kidnapped in an attack on a village and churches in Kaduna State last month. According to Reverend John Hayab, chairman of the northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), all abducted worshipers have been released.

Reverend Caleb Maaji, CAN leader in Kaduna, also confirmed the release, stating that the governor is set to meet with the returned worshippers at the government house. Nigerian media reports have cited Governor Uba Sani confirming the return of 82 of those who were kidnapped.

On January 18, gunmen known as bandits arrived in Kurmin Wali and abducted 177 people, taking them into the forest. Eleven escaped their captors. Initially, Kaduna State officials denied that an attack had occurred, but later admitted to an “abduction” and promised to help secure the villagers’ return.

The village chief reported that the kidnappers demanded the return of 10 motorcycles in exchange for the release of the villagers. The incident is part of a string of mass abductions in Nigeria, which has intensified pressure on the government.

Source: Al Jazeera