Kurmin Wali

Kurmin Wali is a village located in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria. It gained international attention in January 2026 due to a mass kidnapping incident. Gunmen attacked multiple churches during Sunday services, abducting a significant portion of the village's population, with initial reports varying between 163 and 177 people. The event became newsworthy due to the scale of the abduction, the initial denials from police and government officials, and the subsequent confirmation and rescue efforts. Following the kidnappings, many residents have reportedly left Kurmin Wali permanently. While some hostages were rescued by the military and others escaped, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) announced the release of all 166 abductees in early February 2026, though this has not been independently confirmed by the Nigerian government. The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and vulnerability of communities in northern Nigeria to armed groups.