‘They beat men, flogged children’ — Freed Kaduna worshippers recount ordeal in bandits’ captivity

Christian worshippers abducted from three churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State, have recounted harrowing experiences of hunger, beatings and strict confinement during their time in captivity.

The 172 freed worshippers, who were abducted on January 18 from three churches during Sunday services, spoke on Thursday when they were received by Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, at the government house.

While 83 victims escaped captivity and returned home on Sunday, the remaining 89 hostages were released in the early hours of Thursday.

Some of the victims who spoke to journalists said they were fed once or twice daily, mostly with pap made from maize powder.

One of them, a female who spoke to journalists, said they trekked for six days into the forest before settling at the bandits’ enclave near a river.

“They were giving us food once or twice a day. They give us pap made with maize powder, masa and sometimes bread,” she said.

“They bring drinking water for us from the nearby river where we camped.

“They prevented us from moving; even when you want to ease yourself, you must take permission, and they will escort you.

“They were beating the men; even children were being flogged because they said the crying children were disturbing them.

“It was a horrible experience; we thank God we returned safely.”

Most of the abducted worshippers were women and children, with ages ranging from two to 13 years. Some of the women were either nursing mothers or pregnant.

Speaking while receiving the kidnapped victims, the governor expressed shock over the incident, noting that the attack occurred despite sustained efforts by his administration to improve security in the state.

He said in the last two and a half years, the Kaduna state government has worked tirelessly with security agencies to protect lives and property.

Sani said security agencies and other relevant stakeholders were immediately mobilised after the attack to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.

“Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned,” he said.

He explained that 183 persons were abducted during the attack, noting that 11 escaped while being moved into the bush.

“They have been certified medically fit and have returned home. Out of the remaining, 83 returned a few days ago, while 89 were rescued just yesterday,” the governor said.

“Altogether, the figure is 183, and we would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing.”

He added that the victims would not be allowed to return home immediately, as arrangements had been made for their medical and psychological care.

Sani condemned attempts to politicise the abduction, describing such actions as unacceptable.

“As a government, our responsibility is clear: we will continue to work day and night to protect lives and property in Kaduna,” he said.

The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, noting that he showed deep concern over the incident.

The president, he said, had been repeatedly calling him since the incident happened.

Sani further thanked Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), and other security agencies “for working closely with us to ensure the safe return of these children and our mothers here today.”

The abduction in Kajuru forms part of Nigeria’s long-standing insecurity challenges. In recent years, terror groups have expanded their operations, kidnapping victims for ransom and ransacking rural communities.(The Cable)