Terrorists Attack Katsina Church, Kidnap 25 Worshippers

Terrorists have attacked Katsina Church, kidnapping 25 worshippers in the process.

Newsone reports that terrorists armed with sophisticated guns attacked the New Life For All Church in the Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, northern Nigeria on Sunday, January 15, 2023, kidnapping at least 25 worshippers.

Eyewitnesses told Channels Television that the terrorists riding on motorcycles invaded the church at Dan-Tsauni Gidan Haruna Community in the early hours of Sunday when faithful were in church.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aminu Masari on Christian Affairs, Ishaya Jurau also confirmed the attack to Channels Television.

According to Jurau, security personnel are currently on top of the situation and are working tirelessly to rescue all the victims unhurt.

He said, “They abducted our members and left the church pastor with injuries while they were conducting service this morning at around 10am.

“The security is currently on top of the situation. They are working tirelessly to rescue the victims unhurt. We appreciate the efforts of the security.”

News One Nigeria reports that the Katsina State Police Command also confirmed the attack in a statement.

The police spokesman in the state, SP Gambo Isah noted that the terrorists attacked the church and shot one Pastor Haruna on his hand.

“The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Kankara led a team of Police men to the village but before his arrival the terrorists had already escaped with the victims.

“The injured Pastor was evacuated to General Hospital, Kankara for treatment. Efforts are on with a view of arresting the hoodlums,” he explained.

The kidnapped victims, according to the police, include 15-year-old Rabi Isyaku; Rabi Saidu, 36; Rabi Babba, 49; Saratu Hadi, 27; Nusaiba Shuaibu, 13; all of Maitsauni village, Kankara LGA of Katsina.

Meanwhile, Newsone Nigeria reports that bandits similarly abducted over 300 pupils from a secondary school in Kankara on December 11, 2020.