About 80 worshippers abducted from Kurmin community return home after spending nearly two weeks in hiding, following sustained security operations and community efforts to restore calm in the area.
The worshippers were forced to flee their homes after a violent attack by armed assailants disrupted religious activities and triggered fear across surrounding villages, Mediaplusng.com reports. During the period, many families sought refuge in nearby bushes and communities to escape further violence.
Local sources say the return follows improved security presence and assurances from authorities that the area is now safe for residents to resume normal life. Community leaders confirm that no fresh attack is recorded in recent days, allowing displaced worshippers to gradually return.
On arrival, the returnees are received by family members, community leaders, and local volunteers, with relief materials provided to support their immediate needs, Mediaplusng.com understands. Many of the worshippers recount harsh conditions while in hiding, including lack of food, shelter, and access to medical care.
Security agencies say patrols have been intensified around Kurmin and neighbouring communities to prevent a repeat of the incident. Officials stress that intelligence gathering and joint operations remain ongoing to track criminal elements responsible for the abduction and displacement.
Religious leaders in the area describe the return as a sign of hope and resilience, urging residents to remain united and vigilant. They also call on government at all levels to sustain security interventions and address the root causes of insecurity in rural communities.
Meanwhile, humanitarian groups appeal for additional support for the affected families, noting that many homes, farmlands, and personal belongings were abandoned during the crisis. They stress the need for food aid, medical assistance, and psychosocial support to help victims fully recover.
As normal activities slowly resume, residents express cautious optimism but insist that lasting peace will depend on continuous security presence and long-term measures to protect vulnerable communities from future attacks.
