Bandits kidnap 40 Kaduna worshippers, nine emir’s children

The Christian Association of Nigeria, on Monday, raised the alarm that no fewer than 40 worshippers were kidnapped on Sunday at Bege Baptist Church, Madala, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The CAN chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. John  Hayab, who spoke to newsmen on Monday, said the incident happened at about 9.30 am when the worshippers were in the service in the church, which is along Buruku Baringi Road.

Hayab said, “The worshippers were in the Sunday service in the church when around 9:30 am they heard gunshots very close to the church. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers.”

The CAN chairman said 15 of the kidnapped congregants managed to escape while the bandits went away with the remaining 25.

“Along the way, somehow, 15 of the kidnapped persons returned, remaining the rest 25 who are presently in captivity without any word from their abductors,” Hayab lamented.

“Efforts are being made to get in touch with the abductors concerning the remaining people; we pray that the abductors would be merciful to release the remaining 25 back to their families,” the cleric said.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the palace of the Emir of Kagarko in the southern part of Kaduna State, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and took away nine of his children, grandchildren and three others in the town.

A resident, who spoke to our reporter, said the gunmen stormed the area around 11:15 pm and headed directly to the Emir’s residence.

“They took away his youngest wife, nine children and grandchildren but the wife escaped and returned back home,” he said.

He said the gunmen also took three other persons, including a lady and injured one Audu Kwakulu of Ungwan Pah who is now at the hospital receiving treatment.

“The bandits also killed one herdsman in Kuchimi village and looted seven shops in Janjala village (both in Kagarko LG) on their way back,” the source added