Gunmen attack three churches in Nigeria, abduct about 150 people

Abuja: Three separate churches in northwestern Nigeria were attacked on Sunday. Gunmen simultaneously attacked the three churches, kidnapping more than 150 people who had gathered for prayer. The attack took place in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru area of ​​Kaduna State on Sunday. ​​Prayer services and mass were underway at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), a Cherubim and Seraphim church, and a Catholic church during the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Associated Press reported the attack, citing Usman Danlami Stingo, a legislator representing the area in parliament. Stingo said that 177 people were missing after the attack in Kurmin Wali, a settlement in the Kajuru area, and that 11 have since returned. More than 150 people are still unaccounted for. Kaduna police have not commented on the attack.

Violence in Nigeria

Nigeria has long been gripped by violence and unrest. In this most populous country in Africa, armed groups frequently launch attacks in remote areas to gain control of territory. These attacks often involve killings and kidnappings.

There have also been numerous incidents of violence against Christians in Nigeria. Last year, the US President commented on this, stating that Christianity is under threat in Nigeria because thousands of Christians are being killed. He said that Christians are being massacred in Nigeria. In this situation, the United States will take steps to protect its large Christian population worldwide.

Nigeria, with a population of approximately 220 million, has roughly equal numbers of Muslims and Christians. Radical Islamic organizations like Boko Haram have been perpetrating violence in the country for a long time. However, both Christians and Muslims have been victims of the violence in the northern parts of the country. There is anger in the United States over the attacks on Christians.