Bandits attack Catholic, ECWA churches in Southern Kaduna, abduct Pastor, 30 others
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Three people were feared dead and 30 others kidnapped, on Sunday, following a bandits’ attack on churches in Bakinpah-Maro, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
A former Chairman of Kajuru council, Cafra Caino, confirmed the incident, stating that the assailants arrived in large numbers around 10:00am.
The bandits reportedly targeted both an ECWA church and a Catholic church.
“The bandits came in large numbers and attacked the two churches,” Caino said, according to The Nation.
Among those abducted was Bernard Gajera, a pastor from one of the churches.
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The police have yet to release a statement on the attack.
This attack comes amid recent efforts by the Maro community to raise funds for a security post to attract more law enforcement personnel, addressing persistent security issues that have disrupted farming activities.
Media had earlier reported that troops of the Nigerian Army, Sector 4, Operation Whirl Punch rescued no fewer than 13 kidnapped victims, while neutralising some insurgents and capturing others alive in Kaduna State.
Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State had on Saturday said dangerous weapons were also recovered from the terrorists during the operation.
The troops were said to have responded to credible human intelligence of bandits moving kidnapped victims in the general area of Chigulu village, Kachia LGA.
“The troops subsequently mobilised for a rescue operation at the location of the suspected bandits’ camp,” the statement read.
“The troops arrived at the location and made contact with the bandits. An intense gun battle ensued at the base of a high ground in the area. The bandits were subdued and fled into the dense forest, abandoning their hostages.
“The security forces went on to rescue the 13 hostages, comprising six men and seven women, from the hideout.
“The troops dislodged the camp, and destroyed various items like such as clothing and personal effects, at the site.
“The rescued victims were conveyed to a military facility for examination and debriefing, before being reunited with their families,” he had said.
