‘25 worshippers abducted’ as gunmen attack church in Kaduna

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 25 worshippers during an attack on Bege Baptist Church in Madala, Chikun LGA of Kaduna.

Joseph Hayab, chairman of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), confirmed the development on Monday.

Hayab said the gunmen invaded the church at about 9:30 am during a  service on Sunday.

He said the assailants took away 40 people during the attack but 15 of thy escaped on the way.

He said the remaining 25 worshippers are still in captivity.

“The worshippers were in the church for Sunday worship, when around 9:30 am, they heard gun shots. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers,” he said.

“Along the way, 15 of the kidnapped persons escaped and while the remaining 25 are being held captive.

“We pray that the abductors would be merciful to release the remaining 25 people back to their families.”

The CAN chairman added that the association was making efforts to get in touch with the kidnappers.

When contacted, Mohammad Jalige, police spokesperson in the state, promised to contact the divisional police office (DPO) in charge of Chikun LGA and get back.

Several cases of attack on worship centers have recently been reported across the country.

On March 25, gunmen reportedly killed Musa Mairimi, a cleric in charge of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Buda community in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna.