Nigerian bandits who kidnapped 150 churchgoers demand motorbikes in return

Nigerian bandits who kidnapped more than 150 churchgoers are demanding 17 motorbikes in return.

It comes after attackers raided three different churches in conflict-hit Kaduna state, northwest Nigeria, on Sunday. They seized 177 people - before 11 managed to escape.

It marks one of the largest mass abductions in recent months for the country - which has been plagued by sectarian violence. The abductors are now demanding 17 motorcycles - costing roughly $1,000 each - to begin negotiations for their release, local residents told the Associated Press.

Local village leader Ishaku Dan'azumi said: "They 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: "The abductors said they lost 17 motorcycles and they want their replacement." Gunmen in Nigeria's conflict-ridden hotspots often use bikes to get through vast forest reserves that serve as their hideouts, making it easier to evade security forces.

Read more from Sky News:Sinners breaks Oscars nomination recordExplainer: Who's on Trump's Board of Peace Nigerian security forces have deployed tactical teams in search of the kidnappers - believed to be among the rogue gangs who often carry out kidnappings for ransoms in remote areas of the country. Kaduna Governor Uba Sani visited the affected areas in Kajuru late on Wednesday and said the state is working closely with security agencies to find and rescue the hostages.

"Our administration will continue to pursue peace, security and inclusive development," he said. Attacks on churches have sparked claims of religious persecution by US President Donald Trump and others, although the Nigerian government says the security crisis is not a "Christian genocide".

Nonetheless, on Christmas Day, US strikes rained down near Sokoto - a Muslim-majority city in the north of the country - allegedly targeting an Islamic State group in what Mr Trump called a "Christmas present"..