By Kevin Akor
KURMIN WALI, Nigeria (chatnewstv.com) — Gunmen who abducted worshippers from multiple churches in southern Kaduna State have demanded nearly 28.9 million naira ($19,000) for motorcycles they claim were lost during recent military operations before agreeing to open ransom negotiations for 166 people still in captivity, residents and community leaders said.
The demand follows a coordinated attack on Sunday in Kurmin Wali, a Christian-dominated community in Kajuru Local Government Area, where armed men stormed at least three churches during morning services and seized 177 worshippers, including women, children and the elderly. Eleven later escaped, but 166 remain missing.
“The bandits said we must first pay for 17 motorcycles before they will even talk about ransom,” said Linus Abu, a resident. “They put the price at 1.7 million naira per motorcycle.”
Village head Ishaku Dan’azumi confirmed the demand, saying the abductors contacted a community-appointed negotiator with the condition. “They accused some villagers of stealing motorcycles and removing parts from others,” Dan’azumi said by phone. “Until the motorcycles are returned or paid for, they said nobody will be released.”
Authorities initially disputed early reports of the abductions, but police later acknowledged the incident. Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said earlier comments reflected caution pending verification of details from the field.
The attack was the second on Kurmin Wali in a week. Residents said suspected bandits kidnapped several villagers on Jan. 11 and released them only after the community paid about 23 million naira.
“They told us exactly how to deliver the money, deep into the bush,” Abu said. “We thought it was over. A week later, it became worse.”
Fear has emptied the community. Schools are closed, farms abandoned and markets deserted as residents flee to nearby towns. “There is no farming, no school, nothing,” said Hasan Emman, a local farmer. “Most people have run away.”
Church officials described a coordinated assault. “They surrounded our churches and warned us not to try to escape,” said Yunana Dauji, secretary of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. “From our church alone, they took over 50 people.”
Joseph Bawa, secretary of the Evangelical Church Winning All, said worshippers were marched into the forest at gunpoint. Some captives escaped during the trek when the attackers crossed a shallow river, he said.
Security sources said the abduction appeared retaliatory, linked to intensified military operations in Kajuru and neighboring Kauru Local Government Areas that disrupted bandit camps and logistics. “They lost mobility, especially motorcycles,” one source said. “This kidnapping was meant to compensate for those losses and spread fear.”
The military said troops are conducting pursuit operations. Navy Capt. I.T. Akaazua, a brigade commander in the area, said three victims, including a child, were rescued this week and several camps destroyed. “There were fierce gun battles in difficult terrain,” he said.
As families await news, community leaders urged federal and state authorities to sustain pressure and secure the release of those held. “Our people are suffering in the forest,” a resident said. “We need action now.”
