Police in Kaduna State have said that at least 80 congregants previously believed to have been abducted from three churches last month have returned home. The claim was immediately disputed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The abductions occurred on 18 January, when gunmen stormed the churches in Kajuru Local Government Area and seized 177 worshippers, taking them into nearby forests. Eleven victims reportedly escaped shortly afterwards, leaving 166 still missing, according to CAN.
Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan said investigations indicated that 80 of the missing individuals had fled to nearby villages during the attacks and returned to Kurmin Wali over the weekend after feeling safe.
“Currently, we have invited all of these individuals to the Kaduna State Police Headquarters for verification of their identities, screening and health assessments,” Hassan told Reuters.
However, CAN Kaduna chairman Reverend Caleb Maaji said he had no confirmation of any returnees.
“Based on the information available to me, the number of those kidnapped remains 177, except for the 11 who escaped and are receiving care in the hospital,” he said.
Police and CAN frequently report different figures and accounts in church abduction cases. Kidnapping for ransom remains widespread in northern Nigeria, with gangs targeting villages, schools, motorists, and religious institutions.
The Kaduna church abduction is part of a string of mass kidnappings that have intensified pressure on the Nigerian government, which is working to combat both Islamist insurgents and criminal gangs targeting civilians for ransom. The situation has drawn international attention, including criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians, allegations denied by the Nigerian government.
Authorities continue to search for the remaining abductees while providing support and medical care to the escapees.
