All 166 Churchgoers Freed After Kaduna Abductions, Christian Group Confirms

By Ahmed Kingimi and Hamza Ibrahim

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Feb 5 (Reuters) – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced Thursday that all 166 worshippers abducted during coordinated attacks on two churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna state, last month have been freed.

Reverend John Hayab, chairman of CAN's northern chapter, confirmed the release of every individual but did not disclose whether a ransom was paid or outline the circumstances that led to their freedom. "Every abducted worshipper has now returned," Hayab stated, offering no further details.

The release was also confirmed by Reverend Caleb Ma’aji, CAN's leader in Kaduna. "I have just returned from the government house where the stage is set for them to be brought before His Excellency the Governor," Ma’aji said. "This is a result of the prayers we have offered."

Nigerian government officials have not yet made a public statement regarding the release.

Background & Analysis: The attack in Kurmin Wali is part of a worsening pattern of mass kidnappings for ransom in Nigeria's northwest and central regions, where armed groups, often locally referred to as "bandits," operate with increasing impunity. These incidents have placed immense pressure on security forces and the federal government, which is already grappling with a long-running Islamist insurgency in the northeast. The situation has drawn international attention, with U.S. officials previously raising concerns about the safety of religious communities. While Abuja denies any state-sponsored persecution and emphasizes cooperation with international partners on security, the persistent violence underscores deep challenges in governance and territorial control.

Voices & Reaction:

• Chidi Nwankwo, Security Analyst, Abuja: "This release, while a relief, is not a victory. It likely followed a negotiation, which only fuels the criminal economy of kidnapping. Until security forces can deny these groups operational space, communities remain vulnerable."

• Pastor Grace Williams, Community Leader, Kaduna: "We are grateful to God for answered prayers. But our joy is mixed with anxiety. When will our people live without fear? We need tangible, permanent security solutions, not just reactions to crises."

• Emeka Okafor, Business Owner, Lagos (Sharper Tone): "Another 'prayers answered' narrative while the government is silent? It's a disgrace. We all know what 'no details' means—ransoms were paid. This government is outsourcing security to vigilantes and families' bank accounts. When do the arrests and actual counter-operations begin?"

• Amina Hassan, Civil Society Advocate, Kano: "This cycle of abduction and release is devastating for community cohesion. It erodes trust in the state and exacerbates inter-communal tensions. The focus must shift to prevention, intelligence, and addressing the root causes of this criminality."

(Additional reporting by Hamza Ibrahim in Kano; Writing by Elisha Bala-Gbogbo; Editing by Alex Richardson)