“Bèaten, Stàrved, Denied Baths”: Kaduna Church Kîdnap Survivors Recount Two-Week Ordeal

Freed victims of the January 18 church kidnappings in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, have begun recounting the harrowing two weeks they spent in militant captivity.

The worshippers, who were abducted during a service and rescued last Thursday, detailed experiences of consistent abuse, starvation, and deprivation.

One survivor, Hosea Madami, stated they were regularly beaten and given meagre, unsalted rations, while being forced to trek for days through difficult terrain.

Rebecca Josiah identified hunger as the most severe hardship. She said she ate only four times in two weeks, often having to carry hot food in her clothing. She described children crying incessantly from hunger and many captives, including herself, walking barefoot for days, resulting in injuries.

Another victim, Philomena Jonathan, confirmed that the abductors frequently beat the male captives and severely restricted everyone’s food intake. An anonymous woman added that they were denied the chance to bathe throughout their captivity, despite sleeping near a river, and that coughing or crying would draw punishment.

A pregnant woman, Theresa Irimiya, said she was spared physical assault and was later released along with some children. An elderly woman recounted hiding in the bush for days before managing to escape to a nearby settlement.

A local leader indicated the victims were freed late Wednesday and early Thursday, following the sighting of security vehicles entering a forest near Maro town. It is not yet clear if a ransom was paid to secure their release.

Initial reports stated 177 people were kidnapped in the attack, with some escaping immediately and others being found later.

The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for securing the victims’ return. He confirmed they are now receiving care from the government.