Bandits who abducted Christian worshippers from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have demanded ₦28.9 million as compensation for motorcycles they claim were lost during recent military operations, before any discussion on ransom for the captives can begin.
Community leaders and family members disclosed that the kidnappers insist that 17 motorcycles belonging to them went missing during security raids in the area. They reportedly valued each motorcycle at ₦1.7 million and demanded full payment as a condition before stating the ransom amount for the abducted worshippers.
Gunmen attacked three churches in Kurmin Wali during Sunday morning services, abducting 177 worshippers. Eleven of the victims later escaped, leaving 166 people, including women and children, still in captivity.
The abduction threw the community into panic as news of the attack spread. Initial denials by state authorities and security agencies on Monday sparked outrage among residents and church leaders, especially after the Northern chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the incident.
Residents said the denial worsened their trauma and left affected families feeling abandoned at a critical moment.
The community was still recovering from an earlier abduction on January 11, when suspected armed Fulani militia kidnapped several residents from the same area. Those victims were released only after a ransom of ₦23 million was paid.
A resident, Linus Abu, said the approach of the latest abductors is different from previous incidents. According to him, the bandits have not yet demanded ransom for the 166 captives but are instead insisting on payment for the allegedly lost motorcycles.
He explained that the kidnappers accused members of the community of stealing the motorcycles during military operations and insisted that payment must be made before ransom negotiations can begin.
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, confirmed that the bandits contacted a community negotiator and demanded the return or replacement of the motorcycles. He added that the abductors also accused villagers of tampering with some of the motorcycles by removing parts such as carburetors and spark plugs.
Dan’azumi noted that apart from the issue of the motorcycles, the bandits have not yet made any monetary ransom demand. He also linked the mass abduction to the ongoing military offensive against bandit camps in parts of Kajuru Local Government Area.
Amid growing criticism, the Kaduna State governor visited Kurmin Wali under tight security, commiserated with residents, and assured them of the government’s commitment to securing the release of the abducted worshippers. He pledged support for injured residents and said security agencies were working together to ensure the safe recovery of those still in captivity.
The abduction has renewed concerns over insecurity in the state, with residents calling for urgent and decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of the victims.
