Uncertainty trails abduction of over 100 worshipers in Kaduna by armed bandits
Armed bandits abducted dozens of worshippers from two churches in Kaduna State on Sunday but police said on Monday, there was no such incident contrary to the position of church leaders who are insisting that the number of those missing after the attack are more than 160.
According to Reuters, gunmen armed with “sophisticated weapons” attacked the two churches in Kurmin Wali, a forest community in Afogo ward, at about 11:25 a.m. on Sunday.
It said that the unfortunate attacks occurred in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, witnesses said on Sunday and that officers of the affected churches are still trying to confirm how many people were taken into captivity.
Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, confirmed the development.
He described the attack as disturbing and heartbreaking, noting that many families have been thrown into anguish over the fate of their loved ones.
According to him, some of the victims reportedly escaped, while many others remain in captivity as at Monday.
Residents of the affected communities said the attackers operated for hours without resistance, heightening fears over the security situation in Southern Kaduna.
But the Chairman of Kajuru Local Government, Dauda Madaki, said that upon hearing the rumour of the attack, he mobilised the police and other security forces to Kurmin Wali, only to find that no attack had occurred.
“We visited the church where the so-called kidnap took place. There was no evidence of any attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he confirmed that no such attack occurred.
“I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, who was interviewed by the press team that accompanied me, and he said that nothing of the sort happened.
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