A joint security operation coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government and the Department of State Services (DSS), has rescued scores of worshippers kidnapped during a church service at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area on January 18.
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, confirmed on Wednesday that 82 of the abducted worshippers have safely returned from captivity.
According to a source, the victims were freed through a carefully coordinated operation involving operatives drawn from ONSA, DSS, and security assets mobilised by the Kaduna State Government.
Bandits had invaded the church in Kurmin Wali during a worship service and abducted 177 persons, throwing the community into panic and grief.
In the days following the attack, 11 of the worshippers reportedly regained their freedom, leaving 166 in captivity before the latest rescue breakthrough.
Governor Sani made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they are currently receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience and assured the Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity.
He also urged residents to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations to restore lasting peace in the area.
