Nigerian Police Confirm Gunmen Abducted Villagers in Initial Denial

Nigeria Police Confirm Dozens of Villagers Abducted by Armed Men

The Kaduna State police department has confirmed that dozens of villagers were abducted by armed men over the weekend. According to a statement released on Tuesday, the police had initially dismissed the incident but later acknowledged it and launched security operations to locate and rescue the victims.

Reverend John Hayab, head of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the northern part of the country, reported that at least 172 worshippers were kidnapped, with nine later escaping. The remaining 163 individuals are still missing.

The attack is part of a wave of mass kidnappings targeting both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. Armed gangs, known as “bandits,” frequently carry out such kidnappings for ransom and loot villages in the northern and central parts of the country.

Residents of Kurmin Wali village reported that dozens of gunmen stormed the village on Sunday while people gathered to pray in three churches. The bandits demanded the return of 10 missing motorcycles, which they claimed were hidden in the bush. However, residents stated that they did not know where the bikes were and had been robbed to the point where many could hardly afford to feed themselves.

In November, armed gangs seized over 300 students and teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State, with 50 escaping and the rest being released in two batches weeks later.

The situation in Nigeria is complex, with conflicts affecting both Christians and Muslims. The US has been involved in diplomatic efforts to address the security situation, including launching strikes on armed groups in northwestern Sokoto State in late December.

Source: Al Jazeera