Fear in Kaduna as suspected bandits abduct worshippers during church activities

Tension has enveloped parts of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State following the abduction of scores of Christian worshippers by suspected bandits on Sunday.

The attack reportedly occurred during church activities in several communities within the Kajuru axis, where armed men invaded the area and abducted residents, including women and children, taking them to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State chapter, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, described the attack as disturbing and heartbreaking.

According to him, the incident has plunged many families into deep anguish as they await news of their abducted relatives.

Reverend Hayab disclosed that while some of the victims managed to escape during the attack, many others remain in captivity as of the time of filing this report.

Residents of the affected communities said the attackers operated for several hours without any resistance, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in Southern Kaduna.

“They came openly and stayed for a long time. There was no security presence to challenge them,” a resident said.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from security agencies were unsuccessful, as neither the Kaduna State Police Command nor military authorities had issued a statement at press time.

Similarly, the Kaduna State Government was yet to react to the incident.

Meanwhile, survivors and family members of those abducted are anxiously waiting for information on steps being taken to secure the release of the victims.

Residents of Kajuru and other parts of Southern Kaduna have repeatedly called on the authorities to strengthen security presence and take decisive action against criminal elements operating in the area.