THIS DAWN — Kaduna State has once again been rocked by violence as armed bandits stormed churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru LGA, abducting more than 100 worshippers during Sunday services.
The incident underscores the worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry and mass kidnappings have become routine.
Details of the Attack
- Location: Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
- Target: Multiple churches during ongoing worship services.
- Victims: Over 100 congregants abducted; around ten vulnerable individuals released shortly after.
- Witness Accounts: Sources with family members among the victims confirmed the attackers arrived in large numbers, forcibly taking worshippers.
- Authorities: Security agencies have been alerted, though details on rescue operations remain unclear.
Broader Context of Banditry in Kaduna
Kaduna has faced repeated attacks by armed groups:
- On January 3, 2026, bandits killed four members of a family in Kachia town, Southern Kaduna, near the newly established Federal University of Applied Science.
Victims included Mr. Bitrus Bahago, his wife Justina, their son Ibrahim, and relative Adam Waziri.
- Communities across Southern Kaduna have reported frequent assaults despite proximity to major institutions and security formations.
These incidents highlight the persistent failure of security measures to deter bandit groups, who operate with impunity across rural areas.
Implications
- Humanitarian Crisis: The abduction of over 100 worshippers adds to Nigeria’s growing tally of mass kidnappings, leaving families traumatized and communities destabilized.
- Religious Dimension: Attacks on churches fuel fears of targeted violence against Christian communities, intensifying sectarian tensions.
- Security Challenges: The incident exposes gaps in Nigeria’s counter-banditry operations, raising questions about the effectiveness of military deployments in the northwest.
- Political Fallout: With elections looming in 2027, insecurity remains a central issue, and government responses will be closely scrutinized.
The mass abduction in Kurmin Wali represents one of the most significant attacks in Kaduna in recent months, underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s security crisis.
As families await news of their loved ones, the incident highlights the urgent need for coordinated action against banditry and the protection of vulnerable communities.
World reacts
Rep. Riley M. Moore, a United States lawmaker, wrote on his “X” handle, @RepRileyMoore:
“Horrific news.
“Armed radical Muslim Fulani attacked three churches yesterday and kidnapped more than 100 Christian worshippers.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ are facing an existential threat at the hands of the Fulani militants.
“More must be done to protect them, and I urge the Nigerian government to ensure the swift and safe return of all those who were captured.
Sean Nelson also wrote on “X”:
“ANOTHER mass kidnapping of Christians in Nigeria 🇳🇬, I’m hearing >170 targeting multiple churches during Sunday worship in Southern Kaduna, targeted by Fulani militants for these kinds of attacks both recently & for years. Once again no security reaction.
“When will it end?” he asked with a “Crying Face” emoji ~ 😭.
