One killed, several injured as gunmen attack church in Kaduna

One person was killed, while several others sustained injuries in an attack at Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Gabaciwa in Kachia LGA of Kaduna state.

The gunmen were said to have attacked worshippers during the Sunday morning service.

In another attack in Igabi LGA, one person was killed by gunmen in Kamacha community.

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed both incidents in a statement on Sunday.

Aruwan said security agencies reported the attack to the state government, adding that the injured worshippers were taken to the hospital.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, condemned the attack and said it was an attempt to cause division in the state.

“Security agencies reported to the government that the attack occurred at ECWA Church, Gabaciwa in Kachia local government area,” he said.

“According to the report, a life was lost and some worshippers were seriously injured, who have been rushed to a medical facility.

“The security agencies are obtaining further details, on which the government will update the public in due course.”

According to Aruwan, the governor described the incident “as an evil act targetting innocent citizens exercising their constitutional and universal rights to religious freedom”.

“The governor added that the attack on the worshippers was a divisive intent of the criminals leveraging religious sensitivity,” he said.

“The governor condoled the ECWA Church and the family of the deceased in particular, and prayed for the repose of the soul of the worshipper.

“The governor, who is awaiting further reports on the incident, has directed the Kaduna State State Emergency Management Agency to assess the area and provide succour to the victims receiving medical attention.”

On the attack in Igabi LGA, Aruwan said the governor condoled the family of one Nasiru Abdullahi of Gobirawan Kamacha in Bina general area, who was killed by gunmen.

“As of the time of this update, government is awaiting other situation reports from security agencies,” he added.