Some worshippers recently released from captivity in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have recounted the severe hardship they endured while held by bandits after their abduction on January 18, 2026.
The freed victims said they were kept deep in the forest for 18 days under extremely harsh conditions.
According to LEADERSHIP, they were fed only once a day, receiving a small quantity of garri poured into their palms and mixed with water as their sole source of nourishment.
More than 40 children were among those rescued.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Friday, one of the freed worshippers, Godiya Ezekiel, said the captives were subjected to physical abuse and harsh treatment by their abductors throughout their period in captivity.
She stated, “They beat us very well, and told us that if our people do not bring money, they’ll kill all of us. Sometimes they gave us small amounts of garri or masa to eat once a day.
“Yesterday, they told us to leave and said that if we did not want to go, we should remain there. It was a terrible situation, but we thank God we’re back, as nobody died.”