ABUJA, Nigeria — In a brazen assault highlighting Nigeria’s escalating security crisis, armed militants have demanded 17 motorcycles as ransom payment for over 150 Christian worshippers abducted during coordinated church attacks in northwestern Kaduna state. The mass kidnapping occurred Sunday when gunmen raided three separate churches in Kajuru district, initially seizing 177 congregants before 11 managed to escape during the operation.
Local authorities confirmed tactical security teams have been deployed to track the kidnappers, believed to be part of rogue criminal gangs exploiting limited state presence in remote communities. The motorcycle ransom demand—estimated at approximately $17,000 total—represents both a practical and symbolic request, as these vehicles serve as primary transportation for militants operating throughout Nigeria’s conflict zones.
Village head Ishaku Dan’azumi reported the captors explicitly requested motorcycle replacements rather than monetary compensation, a detail corroborated by Sebastine Barde of the Adara Development Association. The abduction methodology reflects broader patterns in regional violence, where attackers utilize forest reserves as hideouts and motorcycles for rapid movement between communities.
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani visited affected communities Wednesday, pledging coordinated efforts between state and security agencies to secure hostage release. “Our administration will continue to pursue peace, security, and inclusive development,” Sani stated during his assessment of the crisis.
The incident occurs amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, following U.S. accusations that Nigerian authorities have failed to protect Christian communities during the nation’s prolonged security emergency. While attacks affect both religious groups, the targeting of worship centers has drawn international concern and complicated bilateral counterterrorism cooperation.