Over 100 worshippers have been reportedly kidnapped as suspected bandits attacked several churches in Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The assailants reportedly stormed the churches while worship services were ongoing, firing sporadically and forcing congregants into the surrounding bush.
According to Sahara Reporters, a source whose family members were among those abducted said that the attackers moved from one church to another, carting away worshippers in large numbers.
The source added that the bandits later released about 10 abductees, said to be vulnerable persons, while the remaining victims were taken to an unknown location.
“They came during service and started taking people away. Some of those released were elderly and weak,” the source said.
Security agencies and relevant authorities in the area have been alerted to the incident, although no official statement had been issued as of the time of filing this report.
The latest abductions add to the spate of violent attacks that have continued to plague parts of Kaduna State, particularly in the southern axis.
On January 3, Sahara Reporters reported that bandits killed four members of a family during an overnight attack in Kachia town, headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area.
The victims were identified as Mr Bitrus Bahago, his wife, Mrs Justina Bahago, their son, Ibrahim Bahago, and a relative, Adam Waziri.
They were all killed by the bandits,” a family source confirmed.
Residents of Kachia said the attackers arrived in large numbers and opened fire on homes, leaving several others injured.
The injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Community members described the attack as terrifying, noting that repeated assaults have continued despite the town’s proximity to major institutions and security formations, including the newly established Federal University of Applied Science.
