Residents of Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have criticised security forces for what they describe as a weak response in rescuing 166 church worshippers abducted during attacks on three churches last Sunday.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected the allegation, saying efforts continue to secure the captives’ safe return.
Gunmen attacked three churches in the Kurmin Wali area during Sunday services, abducting 177 worshippers.
11 people escaped, leaving 166 church members still held captive. The attack has drawn public concern and criticism of the security response.
Community members and local leaders have alleged that soldiers deployed to the area made a brief attempt to pursue the kidnappers into the forest before withdrawing without reaching them.
Residents said the abductors were seen moving through forest corridors with their captives days after the attack, undisturbed by security forces.
One resident said troops shifted focus to highway patrols and checkpoints instead of deeper forest operations to find the abductors.
Another community member said no aerial surveillance was carried out, and troops appeared unwilling to advance further into forest areas where bandits were believed to be hiding.
Some villagers said they were asked to guide troops along routes used by the abductors but that the military did not follow through after a short distance. Others noted that frequent patrols on highways did not align with the forest‑based routes used by the attackers.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major‑General Micheal Onoja, said the military is working with other security agencies to carry out sustained, intelligence‑driven operations in the area and forests believed to be hideouts for the kidnappers. He said efforts are ongoing to locate the abductors and secure the victims without endangering their lives.
Onoja said any perceived restraint is a deliberate strategy aimed at protecting hostages and avoiding unintended harm. He added that specific operational details must remain confidential for security reasons but insisted that substantial actions to dismantle the criminal networks are underway.
The Kurmin Wali community has been largely deserted since the attacks, with many residents fleeing to neighbouring towns due to fear of follow‑up attacks. Local economic activities, including farming and trading, have sharply declined amid heightened insecurity.
The abduction of worshippers has drawn national condemnation and increased calls for decisive action. Various groups have urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts, speed up rescue operations and ensure accountability for the attacks.
Security agencies say operations to free the hostages are ongoing. Residents and local leaders continue to call for a stronger and more visible military response to secure the safe release of the abducted worshippers.
