Kaduna Christian Survivors Recount Horrific Captivity: Raw Flour and Open Forest Survival
Survivors of the mass abduction at Kurmin Wali village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have provided harrowing details of their captivity experience, revealing extreme deprivation and constant threats during their weeks in captivity.
The January 26 Church Attack and Rescue Timeline
The victims were originally abducted while attending church services on January 26, 2026, in what became one of the most significant kidnapping incidents in recent Kaduna history. A total of 183 persons were taken during the coordinated attack. The rescue operation unfolded in stages, with eleven victims released earlier and immediately hospitalized for medical attention. Subsequently, 83 individuals regained their freedom several days ago, while the remaining 89 captives were finally rescued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Survival on Minimal Sustenance
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, February 5, the survivors described how they endured extreme hunger and exposure during their captivity. One female survivor, who requested anonymity while holding her baby, revealed the shocking reality of their sustenance.
"They fed us with raw corn flour just four times during our entire stay in the forest," she recounted. "We had to mix it with water to have something in our stomachs. There were no proper meals, no cooking facilities - just raw flour and whatever water we could access."
Open Forest Living Conditions
The survivors detailed how they slept in the open forest without shelter or protection from the elements. "We slept in the open, exposed to all weather conditions," the female survivor continued. "Sometimes we actually felt relieved when the wind blew because it helped keep mosquitoes away from us. That was the only small comfort we experienced during those terrible weeks."
Psychological Trauma and Constant Threats
The psychological dimension of their captivity proved equally devastating. The abductors seized all communication devices, completely isolating the victims from the outside world. "Our phones were taken immediately, cutting us off from our families and any hope of communication," she explained.
The captors maintained constant psychological pressure through threats and physical violence. "My worst moment was when they flogged my husband and other men," the survivor shared emotionally. "We cried and feared for their lives, not knowing if they would survive the beating. But I thank God that we were all rescued alive despite everything."
Gratitude for Rescue and Hope for Improved Security
Another survivor, a male who also requested anonymity, expressed profound gratitude to the Kaduna State Government, military forces, and various security agencies involved in their rescue operation. "We really suffered unimaginably in captivity," he stated, "but it is comforting to know that the government has promised improved security presence in our community."
The male survivor added that government representatives have committed to addressing infrastructure deficiencies that may have contributed to security vulnerabilities. "Better roads and other infrastructure improvements in our community have been promised, which gives us hope for a more secure future," he noted.
Broader Implications for Kaduna Security
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Christian communities in Kaduna State's rural areas. The survivors' testimonies underscore:
- The extreme deprivation kidnap victims endure during captivity
- The psychological trauma inflicted on entire communities
- The urgent need for improved security infrastructure in vulnerable regions
- The importance of coordinated rescue operations involving multiple agencies
As the survivors begin their recovery process, their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of Nigeria's ongoing security crisis, particularly in regions like Kajuru where such mass abductions have become distressingly frequent.
