177 kidnapped Kaduna worshippers sighted in transit with bandits — Village head

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, has revealed that the armed group responsible for abducting 177 Christian worshippers was spotted on Thursday morning moving with their captives around the Maro axis.

Speaking to PUNCH Online via telephone, Dan’azumi explained that the kidnappers and their abducted victims were observed trekking along the bush routes between Ungwan Gamu and Maro, though their final destination remained unknown.

The traditional ruler noted that the sighting came shortly after the bandits allegedly issued threats on Wednesday evening, accusing the community of alerting security agencies to their presence.

“They called us yesterday evening and threatened the community, accusing us of bringing soldiers. They said we were claiming to have ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence,” Dan’azumi said.

He added that community leaders denied the allegation during the phone conversation.

“We explained to them that we don’t have anybody and that we did not invite the soldiers. After that conversation, they ended the call, and we have not heard from them again.”

According to him, residents later received reports early on Thursday that the kidnappers and the victims were seen moving through remote pathways between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities.

“This morning, we were told that they were seen moving on foot with our people between Ungwan Gamu and Maro, but we do not know exactly where they are heading,” he said.

Dan’azumi expressed serious worry over the condition of the kidnapped church members and appealed to security agencies to strengthen surveillance and intensify rescue efforts.

Kurmin Wali, Ungwan Gamu, and Maro are among several rural communities in Kajuru LGA that have become hotspots for bandit attacks due to the dense forests and rugged terrain that provide hiding places for armed groups.

Kajuru residents have repeatedly endured mass kidnappings, killings, and destruction of property, forcing many families to relocate over time due to the persistent insecurity.

Despite continued military operations across Southern Kaduna, bandit attacks remain frequent, with churches, farmlands, and major roads often targeted.

The abduction of the 177 worshippers during Sunday service has sparked widespread outrage and renewed pressure from religious leaders, community representatives, and civil society organizations for the government to act decisively.

The abductors had earlier contacted local leaders demanding the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly seized during recent military operations one of the conditions they set for releasing the victims further complicating rescue negotiations.

The incident has heightened anxiety across Kajuru and surrounding communities as families remain in distress, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.