"Gunmen attacked a church in Nigeria's Kogi state and abducted the pastor along with worshippers during a Sunday morning service. The abductions come amid a sharp rise in kidnappings across Nigeria. Nigerian media reported overnight that the target in Kogi was the "Cherubim and Seraphim" church in the village of Ejiba, where twelve people were taken including the pastor. Authorities confirmed the incident."
"Kingsley Femi Fanwo, spokesperson for Kogi state, criticized some pastors for continuing to encourage congregations to gather in remote locations despite known risks. He was quoted by Nigeria's NAN news agency as saying that clergy sometimes underestimate the danger posed by armed groups. The inclusion of clergy among those targeted is thought to reflect assumptions that churches may be more willing or able"
"More than 400 people have been taken in the past two weeks, including large numbers of children and teenagers. On November 21, gunmen raided the Catholic St. Mary's School boarding facility in Papiri, Niger state, seizing more than 300 people. Details about the 265 mostly children who remain missing have not been made public. Armed gangs also abducted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state on November 17."
Gunmen attacked a church in Kogi state, abducting the pastor and worshippers during a Sunday service in Ejiba; twelve people were taken and authorities confirmed the incident. A separate attack in Sokoto state saw a bride and ten bridesmaids seized. More than 400 people have been taken in the past two weeks, including large numbers of children and teenagers. On November 21, gunmen raided St. Mary's School in Papiri, seizing over 300 people, with 265 mostly children still missing. Armed gangs also abducted 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi on November 17. Observers note both historical Islamist mass kidnappings and a recent rise in financially motivated ransom abductions, with clergy sometimes targeted amid assumptions churches may be more willing or able to pay.
Read at www.dw.com
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