CAN: Two abducted Kaduna Baptist church members killed — 61 still in captivity

The Kaduna chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says 61 of its members are still in captivity, one week after they were abducted.

Gunmen had invaded the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Kakau Daji, Chikun LGA of Kaduna state, on October 31 and killed two persons, while several others were kidnapped.

Chikun LGA is affected by the suspension of telecommunication services in Kaduna as part of a security strategy to rid the state of bandits.

In a statement on Sunday, Joseph Hayab, chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of CAN, said 66 persons were abducted from the church.

He, however, said two of the abducted persons were killed on Saturday, while three others were injured and taken to the hospital.

Hayab expressed concern over the safety of those still in captivity and called for urgent intervention by government and security agencies.

“The lives of the abducted Kaduna worshippers are in danger and require urgent intervention of government and security agencies,” Hayab said.

“CAN Kaduna State is appealing to well meaning individuals, organisations, those in authority, especially the federal government and the international community to come to our rescue.

“The evil we are experiencing is more than what an ordinary person in Kaduna and Nigeria can handle. CAN is appealing to all Christians and people of our state to be united in fighting this evil and be watchful.”

Also speaking on the development, Ishaya Jangado, president of the Kaduna Baptist Conference, said the abductors want the state government to speak with them.

“The bandits abducted our members. Their intention is that they want to hear from the government of Kaduna state,” he said.

“The government was not responding to them because they sent a number that the government should call them. The government did not respond to them; that is why we are at the receiving end. That is the reason why they killed those people.”

Mohammed Jalige, spokesman of the Kaduna police command, could not be reached for comment on efforts to rescue the worshippers, as calls to his line didn’t go through.