Story perspectives

177 Worshippers Kidnapped in Kaduna Church Attack

1/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Police in Kaduna State confirmed worshippers were kidnapped from three churches in Kurmin Wali village after an initial denial.
One hundred seventy-seven worshippers were abducted during Sunday services.
Eleven worshippers escaped.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said comments were misinterpreted and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.
Amnesty International criticized the government's denial and called for action to curb kidnappings in Nigeria.

History

Historical Context

The 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Nigeria, underscored a growing kidnapping crisis, with Amnesty International reporting over 1,000 abductions that year. This incident, part of a broader insurgency that began in 2009, reflects the government's ongoing struggle to ensure citizen safety, as seen in the recent kidnapping of 177 worshippers in Kaduna State, threatening regional stability.

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Story summary

Police in Kaduna State confirmed worshippers were kidnapped from three churches in Kurmin Wali village after an initial denial.
One hundred seventy-seven worshippers were abducted during Sunday services.
Eleven worshippers escaped.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said comments were misinterpreted and search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.
Amnesty International criticized the government's denial and called for action to curb kidnappings in Nigeria.

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