Mass Abduction from Kaduna Churches

In a shocking escalation of violence, armed assailants have abducted at least 163 worshippers from two churches in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna State. The attack occurred last Sunday during weekly prayer services, sending waves of fear through local communities.

Reverend Joseph Hayab, head of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, described the harrowing scene: “The attackers arrived in large numbers, blocking all entrances and forcibly leading the congregants into nearby thickets.” According to Reverend Hayab, a total of 172 individuals were initially seized, but nine managed to escape, leaving 163 still in captivity.

Local village head Ishaku Danazumi provided further context, stating that three churches in Kurmin Wali village were targeted, with a total of 166 people abducted. He criticised politicians for downplaying the incident, saying, “It is only the politicians who deny that our people were taken. Meanwhile, villagers are left to face the threat alone.”

However, the Kaduna State Police and security officials have publicly disputed these claims. State Police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu told a local television station that there is no concrete evidence of the abduction to date. Likewise, the State’s Internal Security Commissioner, Sule Shaibu, described reports of the incident as “entirely false.” These conflicting accounts have sparked confusion and frustration among the local population.

Danazumi explained that residents live in constant fear of armed gangs, which has drastically reduced farming and other daily activities. “Previously, if 10 to 20 people were kidnapped, we could raise ransom locally and secure their release. This time, the scale is far beyond our capacity, forcing us to appeal to authorities,” he said.

Experts note that kidnapping in Nigeria has become a highly lucrative enterprise. A recent report revealed that between July 2024 and June 2025, armed groups in the country collected nearly $1.66 million in ransom payments. The prevalence of such large-scale abductions underscores the growing challenge for authorities and the ongoing vulnerability of rural communities.

The situation in Kaduna State is a stark reminder of the broader security crisis affecting northern Nigeria, where both religious and rural populations are increasingly at risk of violent crime. Humanitarian and security organisations have urged the Nigerian government to conduct urgent and transparent investigations to rescue the abducted and restore public confidence.

Abduction Details – Kaduna Churches

The Kaduna abductions illustrate the growing sophistication and boldness of armed groups, highlighting the urgent need for reinforced security measures and community protection initiatives in northern Nigeria.