Suspected terrorists who abducted at least 166 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have increased their ransom demand to N250 million and 20 motorcycles.
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking on the situation in the community, days after gunmen carried out mass abductions during coordinated attacks on churches in the area.
Dan’azumi said the attack occurred on January 18, 2026, when armed men invaded Kurmin Wali village during a religious gathering and abducted men, women, and youths indiscriminately.
According to him, the latest ransom demand is beyond the capacity of the largely rural community, which has been repeatedly targeted by armed groups and is grappling with economic hardship.
“This is far beyond what our people can afford. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to come to our aid and secure the release of our people,” Dan’azumi said.
Residents of Kajuru Local Government Area in southern Kaduna have for years faced persistent attacks linked to banditry and kidnapping, with communities frequently subjected to mass abductions, killings, and the destruction of homes. The insecurity has forced many residents to flee, abandoning farmlands and sources of livelihood.
Community leaders have renewed calls on the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations and strengthen security measures to prevent further attacks on vulnerable rural communities.
Reporters had earlier reported that the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, visited one of the churches affected by the attack in Kurmin Wali. The visit followed widespread fear and mourning in the area after the abductions.
Multiple sources said the police commissioner arrived with heavily armed security personnel and directed those present to switch off their mobile phones, warning against recording videos or taking photographs during the visit.
During the inspection, a victim who reportedly escaped from the abductors was seen with visible head injuries. The victim told the commissioner that the attack occurred suddenly during worship and that he managed to escape while carrying his daughter when the abductors moved through a narrow area in the village.
The victim also clarified that he was attending a nearby ECWA church when the attack began.
Earlier, the police commissioner had denied reports that worshippers were abducted during the incident.
The attacks form part of a growing pattern of violence in southern Kaduna, where communities continue to face escalating security challenges.
