Quick rescue of 166 kidnapped Christian worshippers will address trust issues – CSW-N
Attah Willie, Gombe
The Christian Solidarity Worldwide Nigeria (CSW-N), has expressed great concerns over the continued captivity of 166 Christian worshippers kidnapped by bandits during worship in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State.
The worshippers have been held captive for more than a week since they were forcefully abducted on a Sunday (January 18, 2026) during worship, and CSW-N insists that their quick rescue will help address the trust issue that was created by the initial denial of the kidnapping by security agents.
It may be recalled that 177 people were kidnapped on the said date from three churches in Kurmin Wali during their church services, though some later escaped.
Although officials initially denied the incident the following day, Monday 19th, the Police Force Public Relations Officer finally admitted the occurrence of the kidnap. The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, later visited the community.
The Chief Executive Officer of CSW-N, Reverend Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, is therefore stressing that for some trust to be reestablished, the authorities must do all in their power to rescue the worshippers and others kidnapped from different communities in the State.
In a signed press statement obtained by our Correspondent, Reuben Buhari, the Research and Press Officer, CSW-N, expressed more worry that children as young as five, women, and some elderly men among those kidnapped are being forced to sleep in the cold, exposed to the elements, hungry, and in danger.
CSW-N had visited the community on Sunday, January 25, and commends the Kaduna State Government for providing medical care to the 11 who escaped as well as for mobilising construction equipment to begin repairing the road to the community, and providing security for them.
