Over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna
More than 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna has once again pushed Nigeria’s worsening security crisis into the national spotlight, following coordinated attacks by armed bandits on multiple churches across parts of the state.
The attacks, which occurred during worship services, have left communities traumatised, families shattered, and religious leaders demanding urgent government action as fear spreads across rural and semi-urban Kaduna.
According to local sources and community leaders, the bandits struck simultaneously, targeting churches where worshippers had gathered in large numbers, taking advantage of minimal security presence and difficult terrain.
What Happened in Kaduna?
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers, believed to be heavily armed bandits operating from forested areas around Kaduna State, stormed church premises during services, firing shots to force compliance before abducting congregants en masse.
In total, over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna were taken away into nearby forests, with victims including women, elderly worshippers, and youths.
Survivors described scenes of panic, confusion, and helplessness as worshippers fled in different directions while others were rounded up by the attackers.
“They came in numbers, shouting and shooting. People ran, but many couldn’t escape,” a church elder told local reporters.
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Why Churches Were Targeted
Security analysts say the targeting of churches is not accidental. Bandits increasingly attack locations where:
• Large crowds gather
• Security is minimal
• Victims can be easily transported into forest hideouts
In Kaduna, rural churches often sit close to ungoverned spaces where bandits maintain camps. This has made worship centres vulnerable, especially during early morning or evening services.
The incident marks one of the largest mass abductions of worshippers in Kaduna in recent months, reinforcing fears that religious spaces are no longer spared in Nigeria’s conflict zones.
Kaduna’s Growing Banditry Crisis
Kaduna State has for years been a major hotspot for banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks, particularly in southern and central areas of the state.
Despite repeated military operations and security deployments, over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna reflects how bandit networks continue to operate with alarming coordination.
Residents say attacks have become more brazen, with criminals striking in daylight and retreating into forests before security forces can respond.
Community leaders argue that:
• Security patrols are insufficient
• Response times remain slow
• Intelligence gathering is weak in rural areas
Government and Security Response
Kaduna State authorities have confirmed awareness of the attacks and say security forces have launched operations to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
In a brief statement, officials assured residents that:
• Joint security teams are pursuing the bandits
• Surveillance has been intensified
• Negotiations are not being ruled out to secure the release of abductees
However, families of those taken say such assurances offer little comfort as days pass without concrete updates.
This is not the first time over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna–type incidents have occurred, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing security strategies.
Voices From the Community
Religious leaders across Kaduna have condemned the attacks, describing them as an assault on humanity and freedom of worship.
A Christian association leader said:
“Churches should be sanctuaries, not hunting grounds. The kidnapping of worshippers shows a total collapse of security in these areas.”
Muslim leaders in the state have also expressed solidarity, warning that insecurity threatens all communities regardless of faith.
A National Security Warning
Security experts say the Kaduna church attacks carry national implications. When worshippers are abducted in large numbers, it signals:
• Loss of territorial control
• Emboldened criminal groups
• Weak deterrence mechanisms
The fact that over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna could happen despite previous crackdowns suggests that bandit groups are adapting faster than security forces.
Analysts warn that without sustained intelligence-driven operations, kidnappings could expand to more states.
What Happens Next?
For now, families of the abducted worshippers wait anxiously for news, while churches across Kaduna have tightened security, cancelled services, or shifted worship times.
Civil society groups are urging the federal and state governments to:
• Secure forest corridors
• Improve rural surveillance
• Provide rapid-response units near worship centres
Until then, the story of over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna remains a grim reminder of Nigeria’s deepening security challenge and the human cost paid by ordinary citizens.
Over 100 worshippers kidnapped in Kaduna
