Armed men carried out two brazen attacks over the weekend, kidnapping at least 20 people including a pastor and a bride-to-be, highlighting the worsening abduction crisis across central and northern Nigeria.
Church Raid in Kogi State
On Sunday morning, gunmen stormed a Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba, Kogi State, firing shots that sent worshippers running for cover. They took the pastor, his wife and several church members. State spokesman Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the incident and said combined security forces and local vigilantes are hunting the attackers.
Bride Snatched Hours Before Wedding in Sokoto
The previous night in Sokoto State, criminals broke into a home where pre-wedding preparations were underway. They abducted a bride, her bridesmaids, a mother with her infant, and other women who had gathered to help.
Schools and Worship Centres Under Threat
Places of worship and educational institutions have become frequent targets in recent months. More than 250 schoolchildren and a dozen teachers remain missing from a mass abduction several weeks ago, while some earlier victims have been freed.
Who Is Behind the Attacks?
Most experts point to criminal gangs driven by ransom money, though a presidential aide claimed jihadist groups are responsible. The government outlawed ransom payments to choke the kidnapping trade, but many believe families still pay privately.
Broader Security Concerns
The relentless abductions have renewed calls for stronger protection in rural areas. Authorities insist the violence affects people of all faiths and is not religiously motivated, despite international claims suggesting otherwise.
Security operations continue across affected states as communities live in fear of the next raid.
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