‘Blood Was All Over’ – Victim of Nigeria Church Abduction Describes Escape
Madina Maishanu, BBC Africa, Kurmin Wali
Sarah Peter’s harrowing escape from her captors reveals the chilling reality of abductions in Nigeria. Despite suffering a severe head injury from a gunman’s rifle, Sarah managed to break free.
– Sarah, age 60, was attending Sunday service at a village church in northern Nigeria when armed attackers stormed the compound, intent on abducting worshippers.
– She was struck on the skull to force her compliance. Blood was all over, she recounted, tracing the wound with trembling fingers.
– Filled with dread, she recounted, “I suffered,” her voice quivering with fear as she reflected on her traumatic experience just three days prior.
– The attackers dragged her relentlessly through the village, demanding she move when she could barely walk. Only after hiding did she find the strength to crawl back home.
In total, dozens were taken from her branch of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, along with two other churches in Kurmin Wali, located approximately 135 km (84 miles) north of Abuja, the capital.
– While 11 individuals, including Sarah, managed to escape, more than 160 remain unaccounted for according to local leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria.
– The community is engulfed in fear, grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. No official figures have been disclosed regarding the missing.
The Increasing Threat of Abduction in Nigeria
Kurmin Wali is perilously close to the Rijana forest in Kaduna State, an area notorious for hosting armed groups commonly referred to as bandits.
– Although no specific group has claimed responsibility for the Sunday raid, these types of incidents are part of a growing security crisis in Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become alarmingly frequent.
– While paying kidnappers is technically illegal in Nigeria, it is widely believed that money often changes hands to secure the release of victims. Curiously, no ransom demands have been reported in this incident.
The plight of Nigerian Christians has drawn international attention, especially since former U.S. President Donald Trump voiced concerns about increasing violence against them.
– Recently, the U.S. military struck at camps believed to be shelters for Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria.
– Nigerian officials claim the situation affects all communities, stating that Muslims, Christians, and individuals of other faiths have suffered alike.
Tension hangs heavy in Kurmin Wali. Local leaders insist that the population has been living in constant fear, while residents are calling for stronger security measures.
– There have been allegations that authorities attempted to suppress information following the attack. Residents reported, They told us not to give out any information…we must tell our story.
– The community faced a 48-hour delay of confusion and denial from officials regarding the existence of the attack, only for them to confirm the incident days later.
Even the media experienced obstacles in accessing Kurmin Wali, as local politicians and security forces hindered entry. However, upon arrival, the chaos was evident at the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church:
– Plastic chairs lay overturned, prayer books scattered, and musical instruments lay broken—a haunting reminder of the terror that unfolded.
Stories of Survival Amidst Devastation
Christopher Yohanna gazed forlornly at his two-year-old daughter, recounting how they narrowly escaped the attackers.
– We were in the church when we heard shouting. When we ventured outside, we saw gunmen surrounding the village.
– Though grateful to have his daughter safe, he lamented the absence of his two wives and other children, expressing despair, If my family is not with me, then my life is worthless and devoid of joy.
Three days after the raid, Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali, committing to bolster security in the area. His promises included:
– Establishing a military base, a hospital, and improved road infrastructure.
– Immediate relief measures for affected residents, including medical support.
Sani emphasized the joint effort needed with security agencies to rescue those still in captivity: When we met [the villagers], I assured them that we are with them and… we will not let any of them down.
As the residents of Kurmin Wali await the safe return of their loved ones, they hope that the government will uphold its promises for a safer future.