By Peter Adelowo
Bandits have abducted over one hundred and seventy Christian worshippers following coordinated attacks on churches in the Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the area on Sunday while church services were ongoing. The affected churches are ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and whisked away worshippers into the forest.
Sources stated that nine vulnerable persons later managed to escape and returned home, while about one hundred and sixty-three others are still in captivity.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Northern Region, Reverend Joseph John Hayab, described the attack as sad and disturbing.
He said efforts are ongoing with security agencies and the government to ensure the safe return of the abducted worshippers.
As at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and the Police Command have yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Residents of the area are calling on security agencies to intensify patrols and rescue operations.
SIDEBAR
