Kaduna Abduction Update: 80 Victims Located, 86 Still Missing After Bandit Attack
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Dan'azumi, has provided a crucial update regarding the recent mass abduction in the community. According to his statement, 80 of the abducted victims have been successfully located, while 86 individuals remain missing following the coordinated attack by armed bandits.
Survivors' Harrowing Escape Through the Forest
Dan'azumi explained that the located victims managed to escape through dense forest areas and hid in remote locations out of sheer fear. This traumatic experience significantly delayed their return to the community and their ability to communicate with family members and local authorities.
"We have now confirmed that 80 of our people have been found in different locations. They ran through the forest and hid because of fear on the very day of the incident," the village head told reporters. He further revealed that one of the escapees finally contacted the community several days after the attack to disclose their whereabouts, prompting local representatives to verify the information.
Fear Prevents Immediate Return Home
The psychological impact of the attack continues to affect the survivors. Dan'azumi noted that many victims remain too frightened to return home immediately, particularly after witnessing the destruction of a nearby village that was burnt down by bandits. This fear has complicated recovery efforts despite confirmation of their locations.
"We have informed the government that 80 people have been found. They want us to gather them together, but fear is stopping many of them from returning. However, we have spoken with them and confirmed their locations," he stated. A formal headcount conducted recently confirmed the figure of 80 located victims, with search teams continuing to scour forest settlements for others who might still be hiding.
Background of the Coordinated Attack
The abduction crisis began on January 18 when armed bandits invaded Kurmin Wali, targeting worshippers from at least three different churches. The coordinated assault resulted in the abduction of 177 individuals, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for immediate government intervention.
Initially, both Kaduna State Government officials and police authorities denied that any abduction had occurred. They later retracted this denial, confirming the attack and assuring the public that comprehensive rescue operations were underway to secure the victims' safe return.
Government and Police Response Efforts
In response to the security crisis, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has been holding strategic meetings with community leaders, traditional rulers, Fulani ardos, and youth representatives. These discussions aim to foster peaceful coexistence and seek local support in tackling the persistent insecurity plaguing the region.
When contacted about the discovery of the 80 victims, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan stated that the command is working diligently to obtain a comprehensive official report before issuing any formal statement regarding the development.
Related Security Developments
This incident occurs against the backdrop of other security challenges in northern Nigeria. In a related development, the federal government has reportedly secured the release of 100 schoolchildren who were abducted from St. Mary's Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Niger State earlier this year. That attack involved over 300 students and teachers being taken by armed assailants in the early morning hours.
The situation in Kaduna continues to highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and coordinated response strategies to protect vulnerable communities from bandit attacks and mass abductions that have become increasingly common in the region.
