*United States House Committee: We won’t tolerate Islamic terrorism in Nigeria
*No ransom negotiation till our demand is met – Terrorists dare Govt, security forces
Kaduna State government and security forces have confirmed that bandits who abducted 166 Christian worshippers from Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State are demanding a whooping sum of ₦28.9 million as compensation for 17 motorcycles they claim were lost during recent military operations.
According to reports from multiple sources, the terrorists are insisting that the money must be paid before any ransom negotiations can begin.
Recall that worshippers were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on several churches on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Of the victims kidnapped, eleven persons managed to escape, while women and children were still in captivity as at press time.
Confirming the development, security agencies said rescue operations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has publicly condemned the abduction of Christian worshippers in Kaduna, calling it a “massacre of innocent Christians”. The Committee warned that Washington will not stand by while such atrocities occur.
In a statement posted on its verified X account, the committee said “Islamic terrorists in Nigeria raided churches and kidnapped more than 168 Christians,” and quoted President Donald Trump’s admonition that the United States cannot tolerate the killing of Christians in Nigeria.
U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker also urged the Nigerian government to step up protection for Christian communities and guarantee freedom of worship during a high‑level U.S.–Nigeria working group meeting in Abuja.
