Kaduna government receives 89 remaining Christians who had been kidnapped by gunmen

Описание: (5 Feb 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kaduna, Nigeria - 5 February 2026
1. Mid of released worshippers getting off bus
2. Close of worshippers hands
3. Various of worshippers sitting
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Uba Sani, Governor, Kaduna State:
"In Kaduna, we don't politicize the issue of security or insecurity because we believe it is about the sanctity of human life. So, when one person is abducted in Kaduna State for us, it's unacceptable. Because we believe that it is the responsibility of our government to protect the lives and properties of our citizens."
5. Various of released worshippers
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Uba Sani, Governor, Kaduna State:
"Today, I am happy; the people of Kurmin Wali are sitting here, in high spirits, because they believe in our government. You know they have confidence that we would do anything to ensure that they return home safely."
7. Various of released worshippers
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Uba Sani, Governor, Kaduna State:
"As a government, we know that people of Kurmin Wali are farmers, most of them, and that is the reason why it is not in our character to relocate them to the town. We believe if we allow them to stay where they are and protect them, because farming activities in Kaduna is very important. It's one area, really supports our economy, and we believe we must protect them and allowing them to stay where they are."
9. Various of released worshippers
STORYLINE:
Kaduna State government officials on Tuesday received the remaining 89 Nigerian Christians who were kidnapped by gunmen in northern Kaduna State since mid-January.

The victims, including women and children, were handed over to state officials after spending several weeks in captivity following attacks on their communities by armed groups.

“When one person is abducted in Kaduna State for us, it's unacceptable. Because we believe that it is the responsibility of our government to protect the lives and properties of our citizens,” said Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State.

Kidnappings for ransom have become widespread across Nigeria, particularly in the northwest and north-central regions, where armed groups operate from forest hideouts and frequently target rural communities and travelers.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly said it does not support ransom payments, warning that they fuel further criminality, although families and local communities often negotiate privately to secure the release of abducted relatives.

Kaduna state authorities did not disclose details surrounding the release of the hostages.

Nigeria’s northern region has been the hardest hit by the country’s worsening security crisis, which has included attacks on villages, highways, and religious institutions.

Similar attacks on churches have sparked allegations of persecution of Christians by U.S. President Donald Trump and some American lawmakers.

The U.S. government launched military strikes in Sokoto State on December 25 last year, which it said targeted Islamic State-linked militants in the region.

===========================================================

Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected].

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...