‘They beat men, flogged children,’ Freed Kaduna Church kidnap victims share ordeal in captivity

Christian worshippers taken from three churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State, have narrated disturbing accounts of starvation, physical abuse and tight restrictions while held by their captors.

The 172 worshippers, who were abducted on January 18 during Sunday services, spoke on Thursday when they were presented to Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, at the government house.

While 83 of the victims managed to escape and return home on Sunday, the remaining 89 regained freedom in the early hours of Thursday.

Several of the freed worshippers told journalists they were given food only once or twice a day, mostly pap prepared from maize powder.

One female victim explained that they trekked for six days through the forest before arriving at the bandits’ camp near a river.

“They were giving us food once or twice a day. They give us pap made with maize powder, masa and sometimes bread,” she said.

“They bring drinking water for us from the nearby river where we camped.

“They prevented us from moving; even when you want to ease yourself, you must take permission, and they will escort you.

“They were beating the men; even children were being flogged because they said the crying children were disturbing them.

“It was a horrible experience; we thank God we returned safely.”

Most of those abducted were women and children between the ages of two and 13. Some of the women were pregnant or nursing mothers.

While receiving the victims, Governor Sani described the incident as shocking, especially given his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security across the state.

He said the Kaduna State government has spent the past two and a half years working closely with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

According to him, security operatives and other key stakeholders were swiftly mobilised after the attack to ensure the victims’ safe return.

“Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned,” he said.

The governor disclosed that 183 people were taken during the attack, with 11 escaping while being moved into the forest.

“They have been certified medically fit and have returned home. Out of the remaining, 83 returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just yesterday,” he added.

“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing.”

Sani noted that the victims would not be allowed to go home immediately, as arrangements had been made to provide medical attention and psychological support.

He condemned attempts to politicise the abduction, insisting such actions were unacceptable.

“As a government, our responsibility is clear: we will continue to work day and night to protect lives and property in Kaduna,” he said.

The governor also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his concern, noting that the president had been in constant contact with him since the incident.

He further appreciated the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and security agencies “for working closely with us to ensure the safe return of these children and our mothers here today.”

The Kajuru abduction is part of Nigeria’s persistent insecurity crisis, with armed groups increasingly targeting rural communities through kidnappings and violent attacks.