Fear deepens in Southern Kaduna as abductors threaten community over military presence and relocate captives on foot

The crisis in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State entered a new and disturbing phase on Thursday morning after the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed that armed bandits were seen escorting scores of abducted Christian worshippers through the Maro axis, deep within the forested parts of the council area.

Speaking during a telephone interview with PUNCH Online and verified by security brief nigeria, Dan’azumi explained that the kidnappers, who abducted 177 worshippers during coordinated Sunday church attacks, were spotted trekking with their captives between Ungwan Gamu and Maro villages. However, their exact destination remains unknown.

Bandits Seen Relocating Abducted Worshippers on Foot

According to the traditional leader, the movement of the abductors early Thursday followed heated exchanges between the bandits and community representatives on Wednesday evening. The bandits reportedly accused Kurmin Wali residents of inviting military forces into the area.

“They called us yesterday evening and threatened the entire community,” Dan’azumi said. “They accused us of bringing soldiers and claimed we had ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence.”

The community leaders insisted they had nothing to do with the deployment of troops.

“We explained that we have nobody, and we did not invite soldiers,” he continued. “After that conversation, they abruptly ended the call, and we have not heard from them since.”

Hours later—just before dawn—locals reported seeing the bandits and their abductees moving in a long convoy on bush paths stretching between Ungwan Gamu and Maro, two rural villages deeply affected by insecurity.

“This morning, we were told that they were seen moving on foot with our people,” the village head said. “But we still do not know where exactly they are heading.”

Tension Heightens as Bandits Issue Fresh Threats

The bandits’ phone call on Wednesday evening left Kurmin Wali residents even more frightened. By accusing the community of contacting the military, the abductors signaled renewed hostility and heightened risk for the captives.

According to the village head, the threats were laced with anger and suspicion. Armed groups in Kajuru have, in the past, reacted violently when they sense increased military pressure or surveillance. Community members now fear the abductors may relocate the victims into more inaccessible terrain to avoid interception by security forces.

“They were clearly agitated when they called,” Dan’azumi explained. “We don’t know if they are running from soldiers or trying to strengthen their position. But the movement this morning shows they are not stationary.”

A Region Trapped Between Forests and Fear

Kurmin Wali, Ungwan Gamu and Maro are all located within a vast forest corridor in Kajuru Local Government Area—one of the most volatile parts of Southern Kaduna. The dense vegetation, rocky terrain, and isolated settlements have long provided ideal hiding places for armed groups who conduct kidnappings, raids, and attacks with ease.

The region’s topography—marked by thick forests, farmlands separated by miles of bush paths, and limited access routes—makes tracking kidnappers extremely challenging. Over the years, bandits have used this terrain to evade security forces, relocate hostages, or establish mobile bases deep inside the wilderness.

Kajuru residents say that while security agencies have increased operations in recent months, the bandits often adapt quickly, moving swiftly and unpredictably as military pressure intensifies.

A Community Already Traumatized by Years of Attacks

For more than a decade, communities in Kajuru, Kauru, Chikun and neighboring LGAs have suffered persistent insecurity. Repeated incidents of mass abductions, killings, and farm destruction have forced many villagers to abandon their homes multiple times.

Residents now live with the constant threat of attacks—not only on highways and farmlands but even within places of worship, which used to be viewed as safe spaces.

The Village Head expressed deep concern for the abducted worshippers—many of them women, elderly people and young children—who have now spent days trekking barefoot through forests under harsh weather conditions.

“These are innocent worshippers. Many of them are families, children and elderly people,” he said. “We are extremely worried about their condition. They have been without food or rest, and now they are being moved again.”

Background: How the Mass Abduction Unfolded

The kidnapping of 177 worshippers last Sunday has become one of the largest mass abductions recorded in Southern Kaduna in recent years.

Armed bandits stormed three churches simultaneously while services were ongoing:

• Cherubim and Seraphim Church (two branches)
• Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)

The attackers surrounded the churches, blocked escape routes, and ordered worshippers to gather in groups before marching them into the thick forest. Witnesses described the scene as coordinated, fast, and deliberately executed to prevent alarm from spreading to nearby communities.

Church leaders said the bandits warned worshippers not to run, threatening to open fire on anyone who attempted to escape.

Of the 177 abducted, 11 people escaped during the long trek. However, 166 worshippers remain in captivity, with the abductors yet to release any of them.

The Complication: Bandits Demand ‘Missing’ Motorcycles Before Negotiations

Earlier in the week, the abductors contacted community leaders with a surprising demand:
Before any ransom negotiations can begin, the community must return or replace 17 motorcycles the bandits claim were lost during recent military operations.

The bandits insisted each motorcycle is worth N1.7 million, bringing the total demand to N28.9 million—a staggering amount for the rural community.

Community members deny stealing or dismantling any motorcycles. Instead, they believe the demand is linked to military raids that destroyed several bandit camps across Kajuru and Kauru, forcing the criminals to flee and abandon their equipment.

The demand has complicated negotiations, leaving families anxious and confused about what the abductors plan to do next—especially now that the captives are being relocated.

Security Agencies Urged to Intensify Operations

With the victims’ movements now confirmed, the Village Head is calling on security agencies to escalate air and ground surveillance across the Maro forest corridor, which is known for heavy bandit activity.

“We are pleading with the government and security forces,” he said. “They must intensify operations. These people are moving with hundreds of captives. If they disappear deeper into the forest, rescue will become even harder.”

Security observers note that timely intervention is crucial. Each hour that passes increases the risk that the captives will be moved further into forest zones that connect Kajuru to other troubled areas across Kaduna, Niger and Plateau States.

Kajuru: A Flashpoint With a History of Mass Abductions

Kajuru LGA has experienced some of the worst cases of mass kidnappings in the state, including:

• Abductions of schoolchildren
• Large-scale village raids
• Attacks on churches and religious gatherings
• Highway kidnappings along the Kaduna–Kachia and Kaduna–Kajuru routes

In many cases, abductors have exploited the absence of consistent security presence and the region’s difficult geography to keep victims for extended periods.

Villagers say they have repeatedly appealed to government authorities to establish permanent security bases in high-risk communities rather than temporary interventions.

National and International Reactions

The January abduction has triggered widespread outrage both locally and internationally.

Several reactions have surfaced:

• Northern Christian youth groups have called for establishing community forest guards to assist in early detection of bandit movements.
• The United States government issued a statement urging Nigeria to increase protection for Christian communities and ensure swift rescue efforts.
• Civil society organizations have renewed calls for stronger border security, improved intelligence sharing, and community-based security structures.

Church leaders across different denominations have also condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on religious freedom and a blatant disregard for human life.

Families Wait in Agony as Hope Fades

For families of the abducted worshippers, every hour feels like an eternity. Some have not slept since Sunday. Others are afraid to remain in their homes, fearing retaliation or additional raids.

Mothers whose children were taken cry throughout the day. Fathers pace up and down village paths, searching for information. Elderly relatives sit silently in shock, unsure if they will ever see their loved ones again.

Residents told journalists that the lack of immediate government acknowledgement in the early days intensified their pain.

One distraught mother said:
“We have no tears left. We don’t know whether our children are alive or dead.”

With the captives now on the move, fear has deepened.

A Call for Urgent Action

The Village Head, community leaders, religious organizations, and civil society groups are all urging swift action from security agencies.

The longer the abductors remain mobile, the more difficult it will be to trace their movements or conduct a rescue mission. Additionally, the threats issued by the bandits suggest they may become more aggressive if military pressure increases.

Residents are calling for:

• Intensified air surveillance over forested belts
• Deployment of additional ground troops
• Inter-agency collaboration
• Community-based intelligence support
• Transparent communication from authorities

Many say this crisis must mark a turning point in Kaduna’s response to rural insecurity.

Conclusion: A Region on Edge, Hoping for Intervention

The sighting of abductors and their captives moving through the Maro axis has heightened fear across Kajuru and neighboring communities. As the bandits relocate the victims deeper into forest areas, the urgency for decisive security action has never been greater.

Families remain desperate, praying for the safe return of the 166 worshippers still in captivity. The Village Head continues to appeal for calm, but the tension is palpable across the region.

For now, the entire community waits—hoping that rescue forces will intervene before the captives are moved beyond reach.