Eighty worshippers who fled a bandit attack two weeks ago in Kaduna State have returned home, their village head confirmed Sunday. However, 86 others remain captives, highlighting a prolonged crisis. The group escaped during a raid on Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area.

Village Head Ishaku Dan’azumi said in a phone call that the victims hid in nearby villages after the Sunday night attack. Initial reports suggested 177 were abducted, but further checks showed 80 evaded capture. “Some of the worshippers who were abducted escaped and sought refuge,” he stated.

The relief is partial, with 86 people still held by the gunmen. “We are appealing to the government and the military to expedite action to secure the safe return of the remaining 86,” Dan’azumi said. He criticized those trying to “politicise our situation” while families endure trauma.

A military source linked the return to ongoing operations against bandit hideouts in Kajuru and nearby forests. Troops have increased patrols, allowing some displaced residents to cautiously come home.

Violence continues in the area. Just days ago, bandits struck another Kajuru community, Maikori, killing three residents. The victims were named locally as Hassan Agola, Lawal Samson, and Baba Apolo.

The original attack saw armed men invade a worship service, seizing worshippers and forcing others to flee. Details of how the 80 escaped or the current condition of the hostages remain unclear.

Families of the captives live in fear but cling to hope as military activity intensifies. Community leaders are urging a stronger, permanent security presence to prevent more bloodshed.

The situation underscores the unstable security in Kaduna, where communities face repeated attacks. Local pleas for a decisive rescue operation grow louder as the hostages’ ordeal enters its third week.