Bandits demand N1bn, 35 motorcycles for release of abducted Kaduna Church worshippers

Fresh anxiety has gripped residents of Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State after bandits reportedly demanded N1 billion ransom and 35 motorcycles for the release of 37 Christian worshippers abducted during coordinated attacks on churches on Easter Sunday.

The victims were kidnapped when heavily armed attackers invaded St. Augustine Catholic Church, Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), and Baptist churches in the rural community during Easter celebrations.

The assault, which left at least five persons dead, threw the community into mourning as dozens of worshippers, including women, children and elderly residents, were taken away by the gunmen into unknown locations.

Sources within the community disclosed that the abductors later contacted families of the victims and community leaders, demanding a staggering N1 billion ransom alongside 35 motorcycles before the captives could regain freedom.

According to reports, the criminals specifically requested 20 motorcycles described locally as “Boko Haram” brand motorcycles and 15 Bajaj motorcycles.

The abducted worshippers have now spent approximately 45 days in captivity, heightening fears over their safety and worsening emotional trauma among relatives and residents.

READ ALSO: 2.2m Nigerians kidnapped in one year, families paid N2.2tn ransom — Expert

Community leaders said the prolonged captivity has left many families devastated, especially as some of the victims are said to be elderly persons and children who may be exposed to harsh conditions in the forests.

Speaking on the development, the President of the Kuturmi Development Association (KUDA), Dr. Joseph David Ariko, lamented that the rural community lacks the financial capacity to meet the enormous demands imposed by the kidnappers.

He described the situation as heartbreaking and appealed to both the Federal Government and Kaduna State Government to urgently intervene.

According to him, residents are relying on authorities and security agencies to carry out a swift rescue operation capable of securing the safe return of the remaining hostages.

Dr. Ariko stressed that the community had been living in fear since the attacks, noting that repeated incidents of banditry and kidnapping were threatening the survival of rural settlements in the area.

The latest incident once again highlights the persistent insecurity confronting several communities in Kaduna State and parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target villages, highways, schools and places of worship.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the growing sophistication of kidnapping gangs and bandit groups poses a major challenge to national security, especially in rural communities with limited security presence.

Residents are now calling for intensified military operations, improved intelligence gathering and stronger protection for vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among citizens.