Suspected terrorists who kidnapped at least 166 worshippers in Kurmin Wali village, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have increased their ransom demand to N250 million and 20 motorcycles.
The village head, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, revealed this on Tuesday while describing the community’s ordeal, which followed the brazen attack on three churches earlier this month. The abduction, one of the largest in recent memory in southern Kaduna, occurred on January 18, 2026, when gunmen stormed a religious gathering, seizing men, women, and youths indiscriminately.
Dan’azumi said the updated ransom demand far exceeds the capacity of the rural community, already struggling with repeated attacks and economic hardship. “This is beyond what our people can afford. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to intervene and secure the release of our people,” he said.
Residents of Kajuru have long faced persistent threats from bandits, including kidnappings, killings, and arson, forcing many to abandon homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. Community leaders are now urging Kaduna State authorities and security operatives to intensify rescue efforts and strengthen protection for vulnerable villages.
Following the attacks, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, visited one of the churches targeted by the kidnappers. Accompanied by heavily armed officers, he inspected the site and surrounding areas, instructing bystanders to switch off phones and avoid recording videos or taking photographs.
During the visit, the commissioner spoke with a victim who had escaped the abductors while they transported worshippers into the forest. Wearing a yellow jersey and bearing visible head injuries, the man recounted that he was carrying his daughter when he managed to flee through a narrow area between houses and lock himself in.
The victim clarified that he had been worshipping in a nearby ECWA church at the time of the attack, not inside the main church where the abductions occurred.
