By Precious Ukeje, JKNewsMedia Intern
FRESH POLICE inquiries have found that at least 80 congregants earlier reported missing after an armed attack on three churches in Kaduna State returned home over the weekend, a claim immediately disputed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
JKNewsMedia.com reports that gunmen stormed the churches on January 18 and seized 177 worshippers before disappearing into nearby forests, according to CAN. Eleven people later escaped, leaving 166 missing, the group said.
Kaduna police spokesperson Mansur Hassan said investigations showed 80 of those listed as missing had fled to nearby villages during the attack and only came back to their homes in Kurmin Wali when they felt 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 by phone.
Police had reportedly initially denied the kidnapping before later acknowledging the incident and stating that security forces were searching for the missing persons.
CAN’s Kaduna State chairman, Reverend Caleb Maaji, said he had no information about any returnees adding that no church or family could confirm the return of 80 people and that the police figures did not match what relatives and pastors were seeing.
“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 provide differing figures and accounts on church kidnappings, reports said.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that prior to now, kidnapping for ransom remains widespread across northern Nigeria, where armed gangs regularly target villages, schools and motorists.
Also, according to media reports, the recent assault on the Kaduna churches forms part of a series of mass abductions that has increased pressure on the Nigerian government.
Towards the end of 2025, Nigeria has also faced scrutiny from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has accused the country of persecuting Christians. The Nigerian government denies the allegations.
Authorities said they are working to curb Islamist insurgents and other armed groups that have targeted both Christian and Muslim civilians, often for ransom.
