Terrorists demand N250 million and 20 motorcycles to free 166 abducted worshippers in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State.
Terrorists who stormed three churches in Kurmin Wali village on January 18, 2026, have sharply increased their ransom demand to N250 million plus 20 new motorcycles for the release of 166 remaining captives.
Village head Ishaku Dan’azumi revealed the new terms today, describing the amount as impossible for the impoverished rural community to meet.
“This is beyond what our people can afford,” he said. “We plead with the government and security agencies to intervene and secure the release of our people.”
The attack unfolded during Sunday services at two Cherubim and Seraphim congregations and one Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) branch.
Terrorists arrived in large numbers, surrounded the village, and abducted 177 worshippers—men, women, and children—before forcing them into the nearby bush.
Eleven victims later escaped, leaving 166 still held.
Community leaders report that the terrorists initially demanded compensation for lost motorcycles but quickly escalated their terms as negotiations stalled.
Tragically, the ordeal has claimed additional lives.
Lovina Ezekiel, a 35-year-old nursing mother who escaped with her two-week-old infant, lost her baby two days after the breakout.
She recounted the horror: “I managed to escape with my two-week, two-day-old baby, but my husband and five children could not escape… Sadly, my two-week-old baby died as we escaped the terrorists’ attack.
My husband and five children, when they return, won’t see my child again.” Ezekiel also lost her father to terrorists last year while he returned from his farm.
“Last year, terrorists killed my father,” she said. “Now my husband, my children are in the bush, and my child is no more.
I am confused right now.”Meanwhile, initial official responses fueled outrage.
Kaduna State Police Commissioner Muhammad Rabiu first denied the abductions, labeling reports as “mere falsehood” spread by “conflict entrepreneurs.”
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin later clarified that the statement reflected caution pending verification.
Authorities eventually confirmed the incident after intelligence checks and deployed forces for search-and-rescue operations.
The commissioner visited one attacked church but restricted filming and phone use during his inspection.
Additionally, the abduction fits a pattern of relentless violence in Kajuru and southern Kaduna.
Terrorists struck the same community just a week earlier on January 11, abducting 21 people.
Repeated raids have displaced families, destroyed farmlands, and eroded trust in security measures.
Church services resumed under heavy guard on January 25, but attendance remained low due to fear.
Community members continue to beg for stronger protection.
Jonathan Bonanaga, assistant secretary of one Cherubim and Seraphim branch, noted that terrorists released 24 children because they struggled with long treks but held 92 from his church alone.
He praised Governor Uba Sani for promising infrastructure—a military base, hospital, and road—yet urged decisive action to end the cycle.
“If this continues, a Christian worshipper cannot go to church in the days to come,” Bonanaga said.
As ransom talks falter and families endure daily anguish, residents and rights groups press federal and state authorities to prioritize rescue operations and dismantle the terrorist networks fueling these mass abductions across northern and central Nigeria.
No releases have occurred, and the captives remain in captivity amid escalating demands and community desperation.
