In a shocking incident on Sunday, “heavily armed bandits” stormed two churches in Nigeria, abducting 163 individuals during worship services, according to official reports.
The attacks took place in a rural Christian community within the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state, situated in north-central Nigeria, as reported by International Christian Concern (ICC).
Shawn Wright, president of ICC, expressed his deep concern over the situation, urging leaders from both Nigeria and the United States to take swift action.
Rev Joseph Hayab, a leading figure in the northern region of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described the attackers as numerous and confirmed the assault occurred “in the middle of the service.” He added, “172 people were initially abducted, but nine of them escaped immediately after the attack.”
An investigation into the incident has been initiated by local authorities, although no group has yet claimed responsibility, ICC reported.
Wright condemned the act, stating, “This is a cruel act against innocent people gathered to worship.” He also called for global prayers for the safe return of those kidnapped, for comfort for their families, and for peace to replace the ongoing violence.
Ini Ememobong, the national publicity secretary at the People’s Democratic Party Head Office, criticized the Nigerian government for its failure to protect the constitutional right to freedom of worship. “Nigerians must not live in fear when going to churches or mosques to worship. The entrenchment of such brazen criminality under this administration is totally unacceptable,” Ememobong said, as quoted by ICC.
US Congressman Riley Moore described the events as “horrific news,” emphasizing the existential threat faced by Christians in Nigeria and urging the Nigerian government to act quickly to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals.
Nigeria has been plagued by mass abductions for years, with one notable incident occurring last November when over 200 students and teachers were taken from a Catholic school in Niger state and later freed or escaped.
ICC highlighted that Christian communities in rural areas are particularly vulnerable due to “scant security.”
Ememobong emphasized, “The protection of citizens is the government’s primary constitutional responsibility. Every Nigerian deserves to worship in safety.” He urged the Tinubu administration to demonstrate the value of Nigerian lives through concrete actions rather than empty promises, as families of the 163 kidnap victims anxiously await their return.
In a bid to address violence against Christians, last year US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and conducted military strikes on militant bases during Christmas, with the intent to prevent further targeting of Christians.
According to the Open Doors World Watch List published last week, Nigeria is currently the deadliest country for Christians, ranking 7th in terms of danger for Christians worldwide.
Release International, an organization supporting persecuted Christians, recently warned that unless immediate action is taken, the number of Christians being killed in Nigeria could double this year.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
