Bandits demand N250m, 20 motorcycles to free 177 abducted Kaduna worshippers

The traditional ruler of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, has revealed that armed bandits who abducted no fewer than 177 worshippers in the community have placed a ransom demand of N250 million alongside 20 motorcycles for the victims’ release.

The mass abduction occurred on Sunday, January 17, 2026, in Kurmin Wali, located in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, when gunmen invaded churches during worship sessions.

The affected places of worship were Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1, Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2, and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

Dan’azumi had earlier explained that the assailants accused residents of Kurmin Wali of carting away 17 motorcycles allegedly abandoned by the bandits during military operations in Kajuru Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers also alleged that parts were removed from the remaining motorcycles left behind.

Providing further details during a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Monday evening, the village head disclosed the exact demands made by the kidnappers, stating, “The bandits called and said Kurmin Wali community should pay them N250 million and 20 motorcycles before they will release the kidnapped worshippers.”

As of nine days after the incident, more than 100 worshippers abducted during the January 17 church service were still being held captive, with no successful rescue recorded at the time of filing this report.

Despite the delay, security agencies and government officials maintained that concerted efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the victims.

A security operative, who spoke to LEADERSHIP on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the whereabouts of the abducted worshippers had been identified.

The source explained that the kidnappers were reportedly using the victims as human shields to deter possible aerial bombardment of their hideout. He added that, “The security team comprising of operatives from all security agencies are working round the clock to rescue them safe.”

Meanwhile, attempts to obtain an official reaction from the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to repeated calls to his known mobile number as of press time.