Residents of Kurama Chiefdom in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State have raised alarm over a ₦500 million ransom demanded by bandits for the release of 13 kidnapped villagers, including an ECWA pastor.
According to community leaders, the amount is far beyond what the rural population can afford.
The attack occurred about two weeks ago when armed men invaded Gidan Yawa, Maiyamma, Jantsauni, and Maidoki around 10:30 p.m. The gunmen reportedly killed three villagers and abducted 30 others during the raid. The number of captives has since been reduced to 13, with the kidnappers insisting on a ransom of ₦500 million.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Federated Kurama Association, Mr. Pius Again Kaura, expressed deep frustration over the situation.
“We are devastated. These abducted persons are the breadwinners of their families—farmers, fathers, and even a pastor,” he said. “How can poor villagers raise half a billion naira? Our people have no weapons, no protection, no resources. We are completely vulnerable.”
Kaura explained that the affected areas are farming communities situated on the outskirts of Yarkasuwa and have long suffered repeated attacks.
He added that the latest incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has hit the Kurama people.
Over the years, the District Heads of Garun Kurama and Gurzan Kurama, a Catholic priest of Yadin Garun Kurama Parish, the wife and son of the Lere APC Chairman Hon. Jonathan Shekarau, along with many farmers, have either been kidnapped or killed. Some victims remain missing, while others were killed when ransoms could not be paid.
The community is appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to urgently intervene and ensure the safe return of the abducted residents.
