Abducted Kaduna worshippers regain freedom
Worshippers kidnapped on January 18 from churches in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State have been released, residents and security sources said.
They were transported out of the forest between 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday.
A community leader said between 11 p.m. and midnight, they saw heavy-duty vehicles moving into a forest around Maro town, and later returned with the abducted persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
“Between about 11 p.m. and 12 midnight, we were informed that large vehicles entered the forest, and later, around 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., they came out with the abducted people.
“We do not know who went to take them or who released them. We are also not certain whether all of them were freed, but their release has been confirmed,” he said.
It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims or whether the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors were given.
At least 177 people were abducted during the attack on Kurmin Wali, but qbout two weeks later, 80 victims, mostly children, reportedly escaped and return home.
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed the release of the victims.
“We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy and they are currently with the government,” he said.
Dan’azumi added that those released included children, women and adults, but declined to give further details.
