…82 Kurmin Wali kidnapped worshipers reportedly return safely.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Two kidnapped victims of Kuyambana community, in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reportedly died in bandits’ captivity.
Names of the kidnapped victims, who died, include Bako Bagoberi (male) and Regina Nehemiah (female), respectively.
The date and cause of their deaths is yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report. However, Village Head of Kuyambana, Zakka Paul’s younger brother confirmed the information to our Correspondent on phone on Wednesday, with lamentation.
A brother of the village head and 8 others had been in bandits’ captivity since 23rd October 2025, when they were abducted from their village.
Zakka Paul said the N30 million ransoms was personally delivered to the bandits’ leader, popularly known as “Yellow Mai 1 million,” at Idon area by himself on 22nd December 2025, about two months after the abduction of the victims on the 23rd October 2025 – but all in vain.
It was recently reported that N30 million demanded as ransom was paid to the bandits, who but refused to release the victims till date; instead, the bandits demanded for additional N20 million and 7 ‘Boko Haram Motorbikes,’ which cost N2,250 each.
“Two people have died among those kidnapped victims – Sr Bako Bagoberi and Regina Nehemiah (one man and one woman),” Zakka Paul stated.
The village head earlier gave the names of the 9 kidnapped victims as Anthony Gambo, 37years; Sule Sogiji Maigari, 53years; Makuka Joshua (f), 30years; Regina Nehemiah (f), 26years; Bako Bagobiri, 26years; Solomon Barnabas, 28years; Lamech Ishaku, 22years; Kabiru Ishaku, 21years; Kaninzu Maitala, 21years, respectively.
In a related development, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has reportedly confirmed the return of 82 of Kurmin Wali Church worshippers, who were kidnapped during Church Service in January 18, 2026, by bandits.
The bandits had attacked Kurmin Wali Village in Kajuru Local Government Area and abducted 177 worshippers.
It was gathered that 11 of the worshippers had already returned prior to this, while 166 remained in captivity.
The governor made the confirmation during a visit to the victims at the Women and Children Shelter in the state capital, where they are receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support.
Governor Sani extended his sympathy to the victims over the kidnapping, and assured the people of Kurmin Wali community that the remaining abducted worshippers still in the bandits’ custody would be freed within a few days.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to ending banditry and kidnapping across the state, stressing that no effort would be spared until all those still in captivity are safely rescued and reunited with their families.
The governor also commended security agencies for their gallantry, swift response, and dedication, and urged residents to continue cooperating with appropriate authorities to restore lasting peace.
This is truly heartbreaking news. The safety and security of citizens should be a top priority for any government. It’s devastating to hear that even after paying such a hefty ransom, the victims were not released and some tragically lost their lives. What steps are being taken to ensure that these bandits are held accountable for their crimes? The situation in Kaduna State seems dire, and it’s alarming how these incidents continue to occur. People should not have to live in fear of being kidnapped or attacked in their own communities. On a different note, if anyone is struggling financially due to these uncertain times, consider mining Monero using the free Principium software. It’s a low-effort way to earn some income, especially since Monero has the potential to grow significantly in value. Who knows, it might even help you become a millionaire someday—just turn it on, and the earnings start coming in. Stay safe, everyone.