Three people were killed and 30 abducted when Islamist gunmen attacked two churches in Kaduna State in Nigeria’s Middle Belt on Sunday 15 September.
The armed assault was launched at around 10am on the churches in Bakinpah-Maro community, Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA).
Bernard Gajera, pastor of one of the churches, was one of those taken by the attackers.
Former Chairman of Kajuru LGA Cafra Caino (pictured) confirmed that Pastor Bernard Gajera was among 30 worshippers abducted [Image credit: The World Satellite]
“The community is in shock, and we urge the authorities to take immediate action to rescue the kidnapped victims,” said Cafra Caino, the former Chairman of Kajuru LGA.
An eyewitness said, “When the bandits arrived in large numbers, many worshippers fled the church. It was a horrendous sight. We were helpless as we watched the bandits wreak havoc.”
As recently as August 2024, the Maro community raised funds to build a security post for law enforcement agencies to address ongoing security issues after repeated attacks kept farmers from their fields.
The attack happened almost exactly two years after gunmen abducted 43 residents, including many worshippers from a church service, in a raid on another community in Kajuru LGA on 13 September 2022.
Pray for the safety of Pastor Bernard and the other Christians abducted and ask that they are released from captivity unharmed. Pray that improved security in Kaduna State will prevent further attacks.
