More than 80 Christians held by Fulani Islamists for nearly three weeks following a mass abduction in the Middle Belt state of Kaduna, Nigeria, have now been freed.
The news was confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria on February 5.
Later that day, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani welcomed 172 of those abducted at Government House.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State. [Image credit: Kaduna State Government]
Islamist terrorists raided the village of Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, on Sunday, January 18, kidnapping worshippers from three church services as well as from homes.
Around half of those abducted were able to escape in the days that followed, with church leaders calling for more urgent action at the beginning of February, as more than 80 remained in captivity.
Initial reports stated that 177 people had been taken, while Governor Sani said that the full total was 183. “We would not be sitting here if even one person was still missing,” he confirmed.
Beaten and Flogged
Some of the abductees shared details of their ordeal, saying they had been forced to trek for six days to the terrorists’ hideout near a river.
“They were beating the men,” said one woman. “Even children were being flogged because they said the crying children were disturbing them.
“It was a horrible experience. We thank God we returned safely.”
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The governor explained that all those abducted would receive specialist medical care to ensure they were physically and mentally fit before returning home. He added that the government would provide support for the many victims who had lost income during their captivity.
Children as young as six were among those taken by the Islamists.
Both police and local authorities initially denied reports of the mass abductions, only confirming the incident in the days that followed.
How You Can Pray
Give thanks for the release of all the Christians abducted from Kurmin Wali. Pray that they will receive the Lord’s strength and comfort to make a full and lasting recovery from the trauma they have endured. Ask that the authorities will have wisdom to tighten security in the region to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Pray that the persecutors will be brought to repentance as they realize the futility of their actions before a God of righteousness, justice, and mercy.
