Bandits stormed multiple churches in Kurmin Wali village on January 18, 2026. They attacked during morning services around 9 a.m. The gunmen carried AK-47 rifles and surrounded the buildings.
Worshippers from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church and the Evangelical Church Winning All faced immediate threats. The attackers shouted orders and forced people to march into the forest.
As a result, the bandits abducted 177 people at first. However 11 victims escaped soon after. Now 166 worshippers remain in captivity, including women and children.
Unusual Demands from the Bandits
The bandits contacted a community negotiator on Wednesday. They demanded N28.9 million to replace 17 lost motorcycles. Each motorcycle costs N1.7 million, they claimed.
Additionally, the gunmen accused villagers of stealing the bikes during recent military operations. They said residents removed parts like carburetors and spark plugs.
Furthermore, the bandits refused to discuss ransom for the hostages. They insisted on this payment first. Without it, talks cannot proceed.
Community’s Fear and Paralysis
Villagers live in constant fear now. Schools and farms stand empty. Many residents fled the area. For example, farmer Hasan Emman described the village as paralyzed. Negotiations feel uncertain amid the chaos.
Meanwhile survivors shared harrowing stories. Yunana Dauji from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church recalled the gunmen blocking entrances. Joseph Bawa from the Evangelical Church noted the swift seizure of worshippers.
Government’s Response and Promises
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani visited the village on January 22. He assured residents of efforts to free the captives. The government works with the military, police, and security agencies.
However, initial denials by officials sparked outrage. The Christian Association of Nigeria criticized the delays. Now authorities focus on rescue operations.
Ongoing Crisis in the Region
This marks the second attack in two weeks. On January 11, bandits kidnapped residents and demanded N23 million ransom. The community paid it to secure releases.
As a result, military actions continue against bandit camps. Yet villagers plead for more help. They wonder who will end their suffering.
