Over 100 Kidnapped as Bandits Attack Kaduna Churches

Over 100 worshippers were abducted after suspected bandits launched coordinated attacks on several churches in the Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The attackers were said to have invaded the churches during ongoing worship sessions, firing shots intermittently and herding congregants into nearby bushes.

Sahara Reporters quoted a source whose relatives were among those seized as saying the assailants moved from one church to another, abducting worshippers in large numbers.

The source disclosed that about 10 of the abducted persons, described as vulnerable, were later freed, while others were taken to an undisclosed destination.

“They came during service and started taking people away. Some of those released were elderly and weak,” the source said.

Security agencies and other relevant authorities in the area have been notified of the incident, but no official statement had been released as of the time this report was filed.

The latest kidnappings are part of the recurring violent attacks that have continued to trouble parts of Kaduna State, particularly the southern axis.

On January 3, Sahara Reporters reported that bandits killed four members of a family during a night attack in Kachia town, the 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 stormed the area in large numbers and opened fire on homes, leaving several others injured.

Those injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

Community members described the incident as frightening, noting that repeated attacks have persisted despite the town’s closeness to key institutions and security formations, including the newly established Federal University of Applied Science.