By Ayo Kehinde
A bizarre twist has emerged in the negotiations as the abductors have reportedly demanded the return of 17 motorcycles allegedly lost during recent military operations as a condition for the release of the worshippers.
The Village Head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Danazumi, disclosed that the bandits contacted a community negotiator to relay their demands.
According to Danazumi, the bandits insisted that the missing motorcycles must be returned and any damaged parts replaced before the captives regain their freedom.
He noted that as of now, no monetary ransom has been demanded.
The village head further linked the mass abduction to ongoing military offensives against bandit camps in parts of the Kajuru Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association has declared a two day fasting and prayer programme following the abduction of worshippers from three churches in Kurmin Wali community within the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This move comes as a spiritual response to the growing insecurity in the region.
About 177 worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday during coordinated attacks on Seraphim and Cherubim Churches 1 and 2, as well as the ECWA Church in the community.
In a statement released on Thursday, the chairman of the association, Apostle Emmanuel Kure, said the fasting exercise would commence on Friday and conclude with special prayer sessions in churches across Southern Kaduna on Sunday.
Apostle Kure described the call to fasting and prayer as a united cry to God for mercy, protection, and the safe return of the victims from captivity.
He added that the exercise serves as a demonstration of unity among Christians across various denominations during this critical period.
The association also called on the public to stand in solidarity with the affected families while urging the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to end the recurring cycle of kidnappings.
