Author: Gist Correspondent

Bandits who abducted 177 Christian worshippers from Kurmin Wali community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have set unusual conditions for the release of their captives, demanding the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations in the area.

The mass abduction occurred on Sunday morning when armed men launched coordinated attacks on three churches in the community—Cherubim and Seraphim Church I, Cherubim and Seraphim Church II, and the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)—carting away worshippers during church services.

The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Mr. Ishaku Dan’azumi, disclosed on Wednesday that the abductors contacted a community-appointed negotiator, insisting that the missing motorcycles must be returned before any further discussion on ransom could take place.

According to a resident, Linus Abu, the bandits claimed each motorcycle was valued at ₦1.7 million, bringing the total cost of the 17 bikes to about ₦28.9 million.

“They told us that until all the motorcycles are returned or paid for, they will not even begin negotiations for the release of the abducted worshippers,” Abu said.

Dan’azumi explained that the armed men accused members of the Kurmin Wali community of stealing the motorcycles and vandalising others by removing carburettors and spark plugs.

“They said 17 of their motorcycles went missing. They insisted that all of them must be returned and the damaged ones fixed before our people can be released,” the traditional ruler stated.

He added that, aside from the demand relating to the motorcycles and spare parts, the bandits have not yet asked for a direct cash ransom.

The village head further linked the abduction to intensified military operations against bandit camps in parts of Kajuru and neighbouring Kauru Local Government Areas.

Sources familiar with the security situation confirmed that the attackers were among armed groups fleeing sustained military offensives that recently dislodged bandits from long-established hideouts around Gabachua, Legede, and the Agwalla mountain and forest corridors.

According to the sources, the destruction of several camps and the neutralisation of suspected criminals forced the bandits to scatter into nearby communities, where they allegedly carried out the church attacks while attempting to evade security forces.

The abduction has triggered widespread fear and outrage across Southern Kaduna, particularly among Christian communities that have repeatedly borne the brunt of violent attacks.

Security analysts warn that dislodged armed groups often resort to attacking soft targets, including places of worship, as a survival tactic when under pressure from military operations.

Residents and community leaders in Kajuru and adjoining areas have called on the Federal and Kaduna State governments to sustain military offensives, deploy additional troops, and enhance intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted worshippers.