Bandits who abducted about 177 worshippers in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have demanded N250m and 20 motorcycles as ransom for their release.
Speaking with journalists on the phone Monday night, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan’azumi, said the demand followed the attack on three churches, Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and 2, and Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), during church services on January 17, 2026.
“The bandits called and said Kurmin Wali community must pay N250m and provide 20 motorcycles before they will release the kidnapped worshippers,” Dan’azumi said.
He added that the abductors accused the community of stealing 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during military operations in the area.
More than 100 worshippers remain in captivity nine days after the abduction.
A security source said the victims’ location had been identified, but the bandits were using them as human shields.
“The security team is working round the clock to ensure the victims are rescued safely,” the source said.
Attempts to get a reaction from the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful.
