Bandits Impose N28.9m Motorcycle Deposit as Precondition for Ransom Negotiations in Kaduna Kidnapping
In a shocking development that highlights the audacity of criminal elements in Nigeria's security-challenged regions, armed bandits have demanded a substantial N28.9 million deposit specifically for motorcycles they claim were lost during military operations before they will even consider discussing ransom for 166 kidnapped worshippers. This unprecedented demand comes following the mass abduction of congregants from the Kurmin Wali community in southern Kaduna State on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Detailed Breakdown of the Bandits' Financial Demands
According to villagers who have communicated with the kidnappers through intermediaries, the bandits have presented a detailed financial ultimatum. They insist that the community must first compensate them for 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military offensives against bandit camps in Kajuru Local Government Area before any negotiations about the actual ransom for human lives can commence.
Linus Abu, a local resident who has been involved in the discussions, revealed the specific calculations behind the demand. "They said each bike is worth N1.7 million, and we must pay for all of them before they will demand the actual ransom for the hostages," Abu explained. This brings the total motorcycle compensation demand to exactly N28.9 million, a staggering sum that must be paid before the bandits will even begin discussing the release of the 166 kidnapped individuals.
Community Leadership Confirms Unusual Ransom Structure
The village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Dan'azumi, has confirmed the bandits' unusual demands. He stated that the kidnappers have specifically contacted a negotiator to communicate their requirements, emphasizing that the 17 motorcycles must be accounted for before any discussion about the hostages' freedom can proceed.
Dan'azumi provided additional context about the bandits' accusations, revealing that they claim community members stole and removed critical components from their motorcycles. "The bandits accused the community of stealing and removing carburettors and spark plugs from the motorcycles," the village head disclosed. He further clarified that, remarkably, the bandits have not yet made any direct monetary ransom demand for the hostages themselves, focusing instead on the motorcycle compensation.
"Apart from the issue of the motorcycles and replacement of some parts, they have not asked for money," Dan'azumi confirmed, highlighting the unusual nature of this kidnapping case where property compensation takes precedence over human ransom.
Official Responses and Contradictory Reports
Meanwhile, official responses to the kidnapping have created confusion and controversy. The Kaduna State Police Command has publicly dismissed reports of the mass abduction, labeling them as false information. Local council chairman Dauda Madaki has challenged the veracity of the kidnapping reports, citing a lack of concrete evidence for the alleged bandit attack.
Madaki suggested that the rumors might be politically motivated, stating they are "being sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace in the community." This contradiction between community accounts and official statements adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation.
Broader Context of Rising Insecurity in Kaduna
This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating violence in Kaduna State. Just prior to this mass kidnapping, armed bandits attacked an ECWA church in Àaaaz-Kiri during Sunday service, resulting in at least one death and multiple abductions. Additionally, coordinated raids were carried out on Illai, Okeagi, and Jamroro communities, where gunmen killed three persons and kidnapped numerous residents in early morning attacks.
The violence has prompted strong reactions from political leaders, with Senator Sunday Karimi condemning the attacks and calling for urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities. Many communities have reportedly fled their homes in fear, creating a humanitarian crisis alongside the security emergency.
This kidnapping case represents a disturbing evolution in bandit tactics, where demands for property compensation precede traditional ransom negotiations, creating additional financial burdens on already traumatized communities while highlighting the complex challenges facing security forces in Nigeria's troubled regions.
