Kaduna: 177 abducted worshippers, bandits sighted in transit — Village Head

Kaduna map

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, has disclosed that the bandits who abducted 177 Christian worshippers were sighted on Thursday morning moving with their captives around the Maro axis of the council area.

Dan’azumi told PUNCH Online in a telephone interview that the abductors and their victims were seen trekking on foot between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities, although their exact destination could not be ascertained.

According to the traditional ruler, the development followed threats allegedly issued by the bandits on Wednesday evening after they noticed the presence of security operatives in the area.

“They called us yesterday evening and threatened the community, accusing us of bringing soldiers. They said we were claiming to have ‘big people’ backing us because of the military presence,” Dan’azumi said.

“We explained to them that we don’t have anybody and that we did not invite the soldiers. After that conversation, they ended the call, and we have not heard from them again.”

He added that residents later received information early on Thursday that the abductors and their captives had been sighted trekking through bush paths between Ungwan Gamu and Maro communities.

“This morning, we were told that they were seen moving on foot with our people between Ungwan Gamu and Maro, but we do not know exactly where they are heading,” he said.

Punch