Gunmen Abduct Over 100 Worshippers in Three Kaduna Churches
Gunmen on Sunday stormed three churches in the Kurmin Wali community of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, abducting more than 100 worshippers in a coordinated attack that has once again thrown the spotlight on the worsening security situation in the region.
The attackers, believed to be armed bandits, reportedly struck while church services were ongoing, causing panic among congregants as they fired shots into the air and forced worshippers to follow them into nearby bush paths and vehicles.
Coordinated Raids
According to reports by Daily Post and other national media, the assailants arrived in large numbers and targeted the three worship centres almost simultaneously, overwhelming local vigilantes and residents who attempted to raise an alarm.
Eyewitnesses said families and church leaders watched helplessly as men, women and youths were herded away by the gunmen, while some worshippers managed to escape in the confusion.
Community in Shock
Residents of the community described the incident as one of the most devastating attacks in recent months, leaving dozens of families uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
Local sources said a few elderly persons and vulnerable individuals were later released by the attackers, though the majority of the abducted worshippers remain in captivity as of press time.
Security Response
As of Monday morning, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the exact number of victims or the status of rescue operations. However, security sources said joint teams of police and other security agencies had been deployed to comb surrounding forests in a bid to track the abductors.
Rising Insecurity
The attack adds to a growing list of mass kidnappings and violent raids across Southern Kaduna, a region that has witnessed repeated assaults on villages, schools and highways in recent years.
Community leaders have called on the state and federal governments to strengthen security presence in rural areas and take decisive action to rescue those held captive and prevent further attacks on places of worship.