THE worshippers abducted from three different churches in Kurmin Wali, Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Council of Kaduna State have regained their freedom.
Recall that the victims taken away while attending church service in the community on January 18, this year. At least 177 people were abducted during the attack on the places of worship. About two weeks later, 80 of them, mostly children, reportedly escaped during the attack, took refuge in forest settlements and later returned home.
The circumstances surrounding their freedom remained unclear, with some reports saying their were rescued by the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS) and the Kaduna State Government.
Daily Trust reported that they were released late Thursday, February 5, between 11 p.m. and midnight, as heavy-duty vehicles were seen moving into a forest around Maro town and later returning with the abducted persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.
According to a source: “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 from the Maro axis.
“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.”
It was also not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure their release, the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors given or whether they were rescued.
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, commended the state government and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the victims, saying: “We also received the information today that they have been released.
“We are happy and they are currently with the government.”
Dan’azumi explained that those released include children, women and adults, but declined to give further details.
After their release, the victims were driven to Government House, Kaduna, for debriefing before rejoining their families.
Governor Uba Sani had on Wednesday, February 4, confirmed the release of 82 victims returned from captivity during a visit to the Women and Children Shelter in Kaduna, where they received medical attention and psychosocial support.
The governor sympathised with the victims and their families over the traumatic experience, assuring Kurmin Wali community that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of those still in captivity. He was optimistic that they would regain their freedom within a few days.
Sani commended the DSS, ONSA and other security agencies for what he described as gallantry, professionalism and swift response in the rescue operation.
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