In a distressing escalation of violence targeting religious communities, gunmen who seized more than 150 church worshippers in Nigeria's conflict-ridden northwest are now demanding a ransom of seventeen motorcycles from the families of hostages. This development comes as Nigerian security forces intensify their search for the abductors and the captives.
Mass Abduction in Kaduna State
The attackers carried out one of the largest mass abductions targeting religious worship centres in West Africa in recent months. On Sunday, they raided three separate churches within the Kajuru council area of Kaduna state, initially seizing 177 individuals before eleven managed to escape. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the persistent security challenges in remote communities.
Unusual Ransom Demand
According to residents who spoke with The Associated Press on Thursday, the kidnappers have contacted families with a specific demand: seventeen motorcycles, estimated to be worth approximately $1,000 each, totalling around $17,000. This unusual request is to initiate negotiations for the release of the hostages.
Ishaku Dan'azumi, the village head of Kurmin Wali, confirmed the demand, stating, "They (abductors) said that they want 17 motorcycles (and) have not told us yet that they need money." Sebastine Barde, president of the Adara Development Association ethnic group in the district, added that the kidnappers requested the motorcycles to replace ones they had lost during their operations.
Security Response and Challenges
Nigerian security forces have deployed tactical teams in a concerted effort to locate the kidnappers, who are believed to be part of rogue gangs frequently conducting kidnappings for ransom in areas with limited state and security presence. These gunmen often use motorcycles to navigate vast forest reserves that serve as their hideouts, making it difficult for authorities to track and apprehend them.
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani visited the affected areas in Kajuru late Wednesday, emphasising the state's commitment to working closely with security agencies to rescue the hostages. He stated, "Our administration will continue to pursue peace, security and inclusive development."
Broader Context and Diplomatic Tensions
This abduction occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Nigeria, where attacks affect both Christian and Muslim communities. In recent months, the United States government has accused the Nigerian government of failing to adequately protect Christians amid the country's ongoing security crisis. This accusation has led to a diplomatic rift between the two nations.
The tension escalated in December when the U.S. launched an attack against alleged Islamic State group members on Nigerian territory, an operation that the Nigerian government acknowledged it was aware of. These developments underscore the complex international dimensions of Nigeria's internal security challenges, with religious targeting becoming a focal point in foreign relations.
As the search for the hostages continues, families remain in a state of anguish, hoping for a swift and safe resolution. The demand for motorcycles as ransom highlights the resource-driven motives of the kidnappers, while the scale of the abduction underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in vulnerable regions.
