Gunmen suspected to be terrorists have kidnapped at least 40 worshippers during church service in Kaduna state, Northwest, Nigeria.
The incident happened about 9:30 am on Sunday, May 7, 2023, when the worshippers were in the service at Bege Baptist Church, Madala on Buruku Baringi road in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Rev. John Hayab, confirmed the incident to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday.
He said, “The worshippers were in the Sunday service around 9:30 am when they heard gunshots very close to the church. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers.”
He added, “Along the way, somehow, 15 of the kidnapped persons returned, remaining the rest 25 who are presently in captivity without any word from their abductors.”
Hayab added that efforts were being made to contact the abductors on the remaining 25 victims.
“Efforts are being made to get in contact with the abductors concerning the remaining people and prayed that the abductors would be merciful to release the remaining 25 back to their families,” the cleric said.
There was no official confirmation either from the state government or the state police command.
The state police command’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Jalige, had yet to respond to a call or text message as of the time of filing this report.
This is a horrific incident and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.