Mass Raid on Three Churches Leaves Hundreds Abducted On Sunday, 21 January 2026, gunmen stormed three churches in the village of Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State—two Cherubim and Seraphim congregations, an Evangelical Church Winning All, and a Catholic parish—abducting roughly 177 worshippers, with 11 later escaping and about 160 still missing [2][3][4]. Eyewitnesses reported the assault began around 10:00 local time, and police said the attackers used sophisticated firearms, suggesting a well‑armed, coordinated force [4][3]. No group claimed responsibility, though locals identified the gunmen as Fulani militants and pointed to the nearby Rijana forest as a bandit hideout [1][2].

Authorities First Denied, Then Confirmed the Kidnappings Kaduna state officials and the Nigeria Police initially dismissed reports as “misinterpretations,” refusing to comment until field verification was possible [3]. Later that day, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin publicly confirmed the abductions and deployed tactical units for rescue operations [2][3]. Amnesty International condemned the early denial as a “desperate” attempt to downplay the crisis and urged immediate protective measures [2][3].

Survivor Sarah’s Escape Highlights Casualties and Trauma 60‑year‑old woman, identified only as Sarah, escaped after being wounded by a rifle blast that left blood on her head; she hid, crawled back to her village, and described being dragged despite being unable to walk [1]. She is among the 11 escapees who survived the raid, while the majority of congregants remain unaccounted for [1][2]. Her testimony underscores the physical injuries and psychological trauma inflicted on survivors.

Governor Sani Announces Security and Humanitarian Measures Kaduna Governor Sani visited Kurmin Wali, promising to construct a military base between the village and the Rijana forest, a new hospital, and a road to improve access [1]. He also pledged relief packages, including medical support for victims and their families, and committed to working with security agencies to rescue the missing [1]. These promises aim to bolster local defenses against further bandit incursions.

Kidnapping Fits Nigeria’s Wider Security Crisis The attack is part of a broader pattern of banditry, insurgency, and targeted violence against Christian communities across northern Nigeria [1][3]. Experts cite chronic underfunding, poor intelligence sharing, and corruption as factors hampering effective response [3]. The incident has drawn international attention, with U.S. officials and NGOs urging stronger protection for vulnerable populations [2].