Survivor's Tale: The Harrowing Escape from Kidnapping in Nigeria

Tue Feb 03 2026 01:10:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A woman shares her traumatic experience of narrowly escaping a brutal church abduction in northern Nigeria, shedding light on the rising insecurity in the region.

Sarah Peter, a survivor of a church abduction in Kurmin Wali, recounts the harrowing details of her escape from gunmen who kidnapped members of her congregation. The attack, part of a disturbing trend of violence in Nigeria, has left locals fearful and mourning over the many still missing. Despite the chaos that ensued, Sarah's bravery in evading her captors highlights the plight of those living under constant threat of violence.

In a shocking incident that underscores the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, Sarah Peter, a 60-year-old resident of Kurmin Wali, bravely recounted her escape from kidnappers who attacked a church early Sunday morning.

There was a huge plaster on my head to staunch the bleeding caused by a gunman's blow, she explained, her fingers brushing over the wound. The fervent prayers of congregants were abruptly interrupted by raiders who stormed the church, dragging worshippers from their place of solace.

Forced to the ground, Sarah was struck on the head with a rifle, causing her to bleed profusely. Blood was all over, she stated, visibly trembling from the traumatic memory. Ignoring her protests of weakness, the kidnappers attempted to drag her away. Summoning her last reserves of strength, she managed to conceal herself until the gunmen departed, eventually crawling back to the village for safety.

In total, more than 160 church members were taken hostage, with Sarah being one of the few to escape. This incident has reignited fears of widespread banditry and kidnapping in the region, particularly near Kaduna state’s Rijana forest, a known hideout for armed groups.

Local authorities have been criticized for their slow response, initially dismissing reports of the attack. With the community in turmoil and many still unaccounted for, calls for improved security measures are becoming increasingly urgent. Residents like Christopher Yohanna share similar fears, having lost loved ones during the raid.

Governor Uba Sani visited Kurmin Wali after the attack, promising to establish a military presence in the area to deter future threats and offering medical support to the affected.

As residents await news of those still missing, the haunting experience of Sarah serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence facing communities in Nigeria, highlighting the need for urgent action and support to ensure their safety.