Kaduna church kidnappings shattered worship in Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, on Sunday, January 18. Raymond Na’allah said people danced to praise songs and gave tithes, but armed kidnappers surrounded the Cherubim and Seraphim Church 2. A woman stepped outside, saw gunmen, and sprinted back with a warning. People scattered in panic, some trying to flee and others searching for hiding places.
Kidnappers sweep churches and seize 177 villagers
The attackers moved through the community and hit two other churches first. They grabbed worshipers at the local ECWA branch and at C&S Church 1, then moved on to C&S Church 2. Na’allah escaped to a nearby house and hid in a restroom. He watched kidnappers beat neighbors and relatives, and he said they seized phones to stop escapes. Kidnappers took 177 people, including 29 of his family members.
Ransom demands collide with government denials
The kidnappers demanded 250 million naira and 20 motorcycles for the hostages. Na’allah asked how the villagers could raise that money, since they were already struggling. At first, state officials and police denied the abductions, but the denial deepened mistrust. The Chikun/Kajuru Active Citizens Congress published a list of 177 names on January 21, so Kaduna’s governor visited and promised action.
Military frees captives, but doubts and fear linger
On January 25, kidnappers seized six more people in Maraban Kajuru. On February 2, the government said 80 listed victims had fled and returned, Reuters reported. Christian Association of Nigeria leaders disputed parts of that count, but they confirmed the military helped free all abducted church members, and no ransom was paid. The Maraban Kajuru victims remained missing by the last report.
Nigeria kidnapping crisis fuels calls for local action
Kaduna church kidnappings reflect a wider Nigerian kidnapping crisis driven by gangs and jihadist groups. Banditry has grown in Kajuru and Birnin-Gwari since 2016, and high youth unemployment and vast forests help criminals hide. A 2022 law banned ransom payments, but abductions continued. CAN leader Enoch Kaura urged community-led intelligence and joint patrols, yet many Christians still rely on prayer.
Source:
Mass Kidnappings Leave Nigerian Churches Reeling
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