Bandits Demand ₦250m, 20 Motorcycles for Release of Abducted Kaduna Worshippers

Days after the mass abduction of worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, has revealed that the abductors have demanded ₦250 million and 20 motorcycles as ransom for the release of the victims.

Dan’azumi disclosed this on Monday night while speaking with journalists on the phone. He said the demand followed the attack carried out on Sunday, January 17, 2026, when armed bandits stormed Kurmin Wali community during church services and abducted about 177 worshippers.

According to the traditional ruler, the attack affected three churches in the community: Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1, Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2, and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

He explained that the bandits, during their communication with the community, accused residents of Kurmin Wali of stealing 17 motorcycles which they allegedly lost during recent military operations in Kajuru Local Government Area.

“The bandits called and said Kurmin Wali community must pay ₦250 million and provide 20 motorcycles before they will release the kidnapped worshippers,” Dan’azumi said.

He added that the attackers also accused members of the community of vandalising the remaining motorcycles by removing some parts.

As of nine days after the abduction, more than 100 worshippers were still being held captive, heightening fear, anxiety, and tension among residents and religious leaders in the area.

While security agencies and government officials have repeatedly assured the public that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release, no official breakthrough had been announced as of the time of filing this report.

A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the location of the abductees had been identified. However, the bandits were reportedly using the captives as human shields to discourage possible air strikes on their hideout.

“The security team, comprising operatives from all security agencies, is working round the clock to ensure the victims are rescued safely,” the source said.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful as calls to its spokesperson were not returned.