“I Got Into Debt Paying Ransom”- Kaduna Community Leader

Chief Sunday Elisha, leader of the community where 166 worshippers were abducted from five churches in Kaduna State on June 24, 2026, has opened up about the ordeal, revealing that he incurred debt to ensure the victims’ release.

The victims spent 56 days in captivity before being freed.

A Community’s Nightmare

ValidViewNetwork gathered that Chief Sunday Elisha, the community leader of the area where 166 worshippers were abducted from five churches in Kaduna State on June 24, 2026, has opened up about the harrowing experience, revealing that he incurred debt to secure the release of the victims.

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The worshippers, who were attending services at five different churches, were abducted by armed gunmen who invaded the community in Kaduna State. The victims spent 56 days in captivity before they were finally released.

The Ordeal

Chief Elisha, in a recent interview, recounted the trauma and the desperate measures taken to ensure the freedom of his community members. He stated that he had to go into debt to raise the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

The abduction of the worshippers drew widespread condemnation from across the country, with many calling for the government to do more to protect citizens, particularly in vulnerable communities in northern Nigeria.

A Community in Debt

The community leader’s revelation highlights the financial burden that often accompanies kidnapping incidents in Nigeria, where families and communities are frequently forced to pay large sums of money to secure the release of their loved ones.

Despite the challenges, Chief Elisha expressed relief that the victims were eventually freed and returned to their families.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

This story is a stark reminder of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. A community leader had to go into debt to save his people — a burden that will take years to repay. The same politicians who speak of security will never allow their own children to be kidnapped for ransom. Their children are protected.

For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: security is everyone’s responsibility. The same leaders who fail to protect citizens will never allow their own families to suffer such ordeals.

Stay vigilant. Demand better security. And never forget that the fight for safety and justice is a fight worth fighting.