Christian group says all abductees taken in Nigeria’s Kurmin Wali released

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 5, 2026 at 01:09 PM

AI Summary

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced the release of all 166 villagers and churchgoers kidnapped in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, Nigeria, last month. The abductions occurred on January 18 when gunmen attacked the village and churches, taking 177 people into the forest, though 11 later escaped. While CAN provided no details on how the release was secured, local media cited the Kaduna State Governor confirming the return of 82 abductees. The Nigerian government has yet to officially confirm the release of all 166 individuals. Initially, Kaduna State officials denied the attack before later admitting to the abduction and promising assistance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Al Jazeera 30% Reuters 40% Uba Sani 50% Bandits 60% Caleb Maaji 60% Nigerian Government ×270% John Hayab 70% Kaduna State ×480% Nigeria ×380% Kurmin Wali ×485% Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) ×390%

Keywords

kidnapping 100% nigeria 90% kurmin wali 80% release 70% kaduna state 60% christian association of nigeria 60% churchgoers 50% villagers 50% bandits 40%