It was a harvest of human beings in Kaduna State as gunmen storm several communities to adopt over 45 persons, including 40 worshipers in Chikun local government of the State.
The gunmen, suspected to be bandits also stormed the residence of the Emir of Kagarko, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and made away with the youngest wife of the Emir, his nine children and grandchildren but the wife escaped and returned back home.
Similarly, on Sunday, not less than 40 worshippers were kidnapped by bandits during service at Bege Baptist Church, Madala on Buruku Baringi road in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The gunmen reportedly stormed the Emir’s palace around 11:15 pm on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
A resident of the area who spoke to Daily Trust said the gunmen “took away his youngest wife, nine children and grandchildren but the wife escaped and returned back home”.
The gunmen according to the resident also kidnapped three other persons, including a lady and injured one Audu Kwakulu of Ungwan Pah.
The bandits also killed one herdsman in Kuchimi village and looted seven shops in Janjala village (both in Kagarko LG) on their way back,” the source said.
According to chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, Rev. John Hayab, the incident happened at about 9:30 am when the worshippers were in the service.
He said, “the worshippers were in the Sunday service around 9:30 am when they heard gunshots very close to the church. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers.”
He added, “along the way, somehow, 15 of the kidnapped persons returned, remaining the rest 25 who are presently in captivity without any word from their abductors.”
According to him, efforts were being made to get in contact with the abductors concerning the remaining people.