BANDITS REPORTEDLY DEMAND N250M, 20 MOTORCYCLES FOR RELEASE OF 166 ABDUCTED KAJURU WORSHIPPERS. (PHOTO).

 Bandits Reportedly Demand N250m, 20 Motorcycles For Release Of 166 Abducted Kajuru Worshippers

Suspected bandits who abducted 166 worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have increased their ransom demand to N250 million and 20 motorcycles, community leaders have disclosed.

The village head of Kurmin Wali, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, said the latest demand followed the attack carried out on January 18, 2026, when armed men invaded three churches in the community during a religious gathering and abducted men, women, and youths.

Speaking on Tuesday, Dan’azumi described the incident as devastating, noting that the affected community lacks the financial capacity to meet the kidnappers’ conditions.

“This demand is far beyond what our people can afford. We are appealing to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and ensure the safe release of our people,” he said.

Kajuru Local Government Area, located in southern Kaduna, has suffered repeated attacks in recent years, including mass kidnappings, killings, and destruction of homes. These incidents have forced many residents to flee to safer locations.

The January 18 abduction is considered one of the largest reported kidnappings in the area in recent times, further highlighting the growing insecurity in rural communities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command and the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had yet to issue official statements on the ransom demand. 

Meanwhile, families of the abducted worshippers remain in distress, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.