Sunday Terror in Kaduna: Names of 177 Kidnapped Worshippers Released

On January 18, 2026, armed men stormed churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Shortly after the incident, the Names of 177 worshippers abducted during the attacks were released. The disclosure shocked families, faith leaders, and human rights groups across the country.

What began as a peaceful Sunday worship quickly turned into terror. Gunmen invaded church premises, forced congregants out, and marched them into nearby forests. Since then, families have waited anxiously for news, while conflicting official statements deepened public concern.

Attack During Church Service

The incident occurred during Sunday morning services at three churches in Kurmin Wali. They included Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1, and Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers arrived around mid-morning. They surrounded the church buildings and fired gunshots into the air. As a result, panic spread rapidly. Some worshippers attempted to flee. Others froze in fear.

However, the gunmen quickly gained control. They ordered congregants to line up and move toward the forest. Entire families were taken together, including women, children, and elderly members of the community.

Eyewitness Accounts and Survivors’ Stories

Several survivors later described how the attackers threatened to kill anyone who resisted. Worshippers who moved slowly were beaten. Children cried as they were dragged away alongside their parents.

Meanwhile, a few victims managed to escape during the ordeal. Some broke free when the attackers paused to rest. Others fled while crossing difficult terrain. Their testimonies later helped confirm the scale of the abduction.

Those who escaped returned to Kurmin Wali with injuries and trauma. They immediately alerted community leaders and neighboring villages.

Release of the Victims’ Identities

Days after the attack, a detailed list containing the names of 177 abducted worshippers surfaced. The list included men, women, and children. The youngest victim was reported to be six years old, while the oldest was over seventy.

Sample of Victims’ Names

Below are some of the names that appeared among the reported abducted worshippers:

• Augustina Matthew (71)
• Salvation Idris (6)
• Likita Amos (6)
• Jumota Idris (7)
• Tessy Amos (8)
• Yahaya Joshua (9)
• Sussana Idris (10)
• Synthah Amos (10)
• Hezibah Jonathan (10)
• Hezikaiah Jonathan (10)
• Jonathan Amos
• Amos Markus
• Ishaya Danisa
• Bawa Danjuma
• Musa Bawa
• Danisa Ishaya
• Markus Makudi
• Jonathan Hezikaiah
• Amos Likita
• Idris Sussana
• Joshua Yahaya
• Idris Jumota
• Amos Tessy

These names represent just a portion of the larger group of abducted worshippers whose identities have been shared publicly by community sources and verified reports. Families across the community await news of their loved ones’ fate. Read also Massive Airstrikes Eliminate Over 50 Terrorists in Northern Nigeria

Community Reaction and Displacement

Following the attack, fear gripped Kurmin Wali and surrounding villages. Many residents fled their homes immediately. Others gathered in nearby towns for safety.

As a result, the community was almost deserted. Schools closed. Markets stopped operating. Communication became difficult due to poor network coverage in the area.

Families stayed together in temporary shelters while waiting for updates about their missing loved ones.

Conflicting Official Statements

Despite eyewitness accounts and survivor testimonies, authorities initially denied that a mass abduction had occurred. Security agencies described the reports as false and misleading.

Officials challenged journalists and civil groups to provide proof. However, the release of the victims’ names contradicted those claims and intensified public pressure.

Human Rights and Civil Society Response

Human rights organizations strongly criticized the official response. Several groups insisted that the abduction was real and verifiable.

They accused authorities of attempting to downplay the incident. In addition, they called for transparency and immediate rescue operations.

Faith-based organizations also condemned the attack. They urged the government to protect worshippers and rural communities.

Broader Security Concerns in Kaduna

The Kurmin Wali abduction fits into a wider pattern of insecurity in Kaduna State and Nigeria’s northwest. In recent years, rural communities have faced repeated attacks and kidnappings.

Armed groups often target remote villages due to limited security presence. Consequently, residents feel abandoned and vulnerable.

Calls for Rescue and Accountability

Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for help. They want swift rescue efforts and accountability from security agencies. Community leaders also call on the federal government to intervene directly.

As of now, many of the abducted worshippers remain in captivity. Their families wait, hope, and pray for their safe return.

For more Security updates:

• Security updates Nigeria
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• Nigerian Troops Raise Alarm Over Repentant Insurgents Inside Military Camps

Further Reading

• Vanguard Nigeria – Names of 177 abducted worshippers revealed
• Africanews – Gunmen abduct worshippers in Kaduna church attacks
• AP News – Nigeria church kidnappings draw global attention