Bandits Increase Ransom to N250m, 20 Motorcycles for 166 Abducted Worshippers in Kaduna
Suspected terrorists who abducted at least 166 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have reportedly increased their ransom demand to N250 million and 20 motorcycles.
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking about the plight of the community, days after armed men stormed three churches and carried out one of the largest mass abductions in recent memory.
According to Dan’azumi, the attack occurred on January 18, 2026, when gunmen invaded Kurmin Wali village during a religious gathering, abducting men, women and youths indiscriminately.
He said the latest ransom demand is far beyond the reach of the largely rural community, already battered by repeated attacks and economic hardship.
“This is beyond what our people can afford. We are pleading with the government and security agencies to come to our aid and secure the release of our people,” the village head said.
Residents of Kajuru, located in southern Kaduna, have long lived under the shadow of banditry and kidnapping, with communities frequently targeted for mass abductions, killings and arson attacks that have displaced hundreds of families.
Many villagers have been forced to flee their homes, abandoning farmlands and livelihoods as security challenges continue to escalate in rural parts of the state.
Community leaders are now urging the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and deploy stronger security measures to protect vulnerable rural communities.
Following the attack, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, visited one of the churches in Kurmin Wali, accompanied by heavily armed operatives. During the visit, the commissioner reportedly instructed everyone present to switch off mobile phones and refrain from taking photos or videos.
Sources said the commissioner also inspected the surrounding areas affected by the attack. Earlier, he had denied that any abduction of worshippers had taken place.
A video obtained by SaharaReporters shows the commissioner surrounded by armed officers as he examined the church and interacted with some of the victims. One victim, wearing a yellow jersey and with visible head injuries, reportedly escaped from the abductors while they were transporting worshippers into the forest.
The victim recounted his ordeal to the commissioner, explaining that the attack happened suddenly during church service. “When we reached the place where they chased people, I was carrying my daughter in my hand. Because we were many, when we reached an area where houses were close to each other and the road was narrow, I managed to escape. I entered one house and locked it. None of them noticed me,” he said.
When asked by the police commissioner if he had been inside the church during the attack, the victim clarified that he had been worshipping at another nearby church, the ECWA Church.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
