Church Attackers Demand Ransom, as Search for Hostages Continues

Kaduna, Nigeria — A harrowing incident that has shaken communities in Nigeria’s northwest unfolded on Sunday, January 18, 2026, when armed gunmen stormed three churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area in Kaduna State, abducting scores of worshippers during morning services. 

The attackers, believed to be members of armed criminal gangs operating in remote rural areas, seized a total of 177 people from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church, and a Catholic church before security forces could respond. 

At least 11 captives managed to escape, but the remaining 166–168 hostages are still in captivity as negotiations continue. 

In what is being called an unprecedented twist in Nigeria’s long history of kidnapping for ransom, the abductors have not yet set a traditional cash ransom for the hostages. Instead, they have made a surprising demand: the return or payment for 17 motorcycles they claim were lost during recent military operations in the area. 

According to community leaders, each motorcycle is valued at about ₦1.7 million, meaning the total cost to satisfy this demand would be nearly ₦28.9 million. 

The kidnappers say the motorcycles must be paid for or returned before any discussion about freeing the captives can begin. 

“They said each bike is worth N1.7m, and we must pay for all of them before they will demand the actual ransom for the hostages,” a resident from Kurmin Wali explained. 

This demand has compounded the fear and frustration among victims’ families, who were already struggling with the trauma of the abduction and fears for their loved ones’ safety.

Following initial public confusion — including reports that local authorities initially denied the kidnappings took place — police and security officials have now confirmed the abductions and launched search operations in the forested regions where bandit hideouts are known to exist. 

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani visited the affected community amid growing public outcry and promised continued cooperation with the Nigerian military, police, and intelligence agencies to secure the hostages’ release and restore peace to the area. 

Security forces have deployed tactical units to pursue the kidnappers, but the dense terrain and mobility of the gunmen — often on motorcycles — have made the search challenging.

The abductions have left the Kurmin Wali community in a state of shock and disruption. Many families have fled their homes, and daily life has ground to a halt as fear grips the village. Schools and markets remain closed, and fields lie unattended as families scramble to cope with the crisis. 

This mass kidnapping adds to a broader trend of armed gangs targeting civilians — including religious worshippers — across northern Nigeria for ransom. Such attacks have drawn national and international concern, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring security for rural and remote communities. 

Human rights advocates and community leaders have urged the federal and state governments to intensify efforts to combat armed group operations and protect vulnerable populations. Many argue that improved intelligence sharing, community policing, and sustained military pressure are essential to preventing similar tragedies in the future.

As the search continues and negotiations creep along, families of the abducted worshippers remain hopeful for a safe resolution — while the nation watches anxiously.