Kaduna worshippers abduction deepens as kidnappers demand return of 17 motorcycles, not cash, before releasing 166 church members still in captivity

Abductors of worshippers from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have demanded the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations as a condition for releasing their captives.

Also read: Kaduna residents claim 177 worshippers abducted

The worshippers were seized on Sunday during coordinated attacks on three churches in Afogo Ward, an incident that has heightened fear and outrage across Southern Kaduna.

Speaking in a telephone interview yesterday, the Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Mr Ishaku Dan’azumi, said the abductors contacted a negotiator acting on behalf of the community and insisted that the missing motorcycles must be returned before the victims could regain their freedom.

According to Dan’azumi, the Kaduna worshippers abduction involved members of Cherubim and Seraphim Church I and II, as well as the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA).

“They called the negotiator and said that 17 of their motorcycles disappeared. They accused people in the community of stealing some and removing carburettors and spark plugs from others,” he said.

“They insisted that all the motorcycles must be returned and the damaged parts replaced before they can release our people.”

He added that, so far, the abductors have not demanded any monetary ransom.

“Apart from the motorcycles and replacement of parts, they have not asked for money,” the village head said.

Community sources linked the mass abduction to intensified military operations against bandit camps in parts of Kajuru and neighbouring Kauru Local Government Area. The bandits were said to be fleeing sustained offensives when they attacked the churches.

According to the sources, troops recently dislodged armed groups from hideouts around Gabachua, Legede and the Agwalla mountain and forest corridors, forcing them to scatter into nearby communities.

Security analysts warn that such dislodged fighters often target soft civilian locations while attempting to evade capture.

The Kaduna worshippers abduction initially involved 177 people. However, the Adara Development Association (ADA) later confirmed that 11 victims escaped, leaving 166 persons still in captivity.

ADA President, Chief Sebastine Barde, said the coordinated attacks occurred around 10 a.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, while church services were ongoing.

He said 50 worshippers were abducted from Cherubim and Seraphim Church I, 92 from Cherubim and Seraphim Church II, and 24 from ECWA.

The association also criticised the Kaduna State Police Commissioner, Muhammad Rabiu, and the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Dauda Madaki, for initially dismissing reports of the abduction as false.

Barde accused both officials of suppressing facts despite information from residents and demanded a public apology.

“Rather than acknowledge the gravity of the situation, they dismissed verified reports as rumours. This lack of empathy deepened the pain of our people,” he said.

The police later confirmed the abduction, with the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, announcing that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had deployed tactical units and intensified patrols to secure the victims’ release.

As anxiety grips Kurmin Wali and surrounding communities, residents have urged the Federal and Kaduna State governments to sustain military pressure, improve intelligence gathering and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers.

Also read: Kaduna govt dismisses reports of mass church abduction

“Our people are being brutalised and dehumanised on their ancestral lands,” the association said, warning that continued denial and inaction could worsen mistrust and insecurity.