Eighty churchgoers kidnapped during a Sunday service in Kajuru, Kaduna State, have escaped from their captors and reunited with their loved ones. The abductees were among 166 worshippers taken hostage by armed bandits about two weeks ago. Village Head Ishaku Dan’azumi confirmed that 80 victims fled and found shelter in nearby communities, while 86 remain captive.

Dan’azumi appealed for intensified rescue efforts, saying families are experiencing trauma and urging authorities to act swiftly to secure the release of the remaining hostages. “Some people are trying to politicize our situation,” he said, emphasizing the need for government and military intervention.

The Kaduna State Police Command will issue an official statement on the incident, according to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan.