Terrorists have abducted about 40 persons at Bege Baptist Church, Madala, in Chikun Local Council of Kaduna State. Confirming the incident to journalists, yesterday, in Kaduna, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said: “The worshippers were in the Sunday service when, around 9:30 a.m., they heard gunshots very close to the church. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers.
“Along the way, somehow, 15 of the kidnapped persons returned, remaining 25 in captivity, without any word from the abductors.” Condemning the kidnap of worshippers in churches, he said efforts were being made to contact the abductors, praying they would show mercy and release the remaining 25 persons to their families.
When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mohammed Jalige, promised to contact the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the affected area for prompt action.
MEANWHILE, operatives of the police command killed a notorious bandit, as others, who dueled with the police, escaped with bullet wounds. During the incident in Giwa Local Council, the police also recovered one operational motorcycle belonging to the bandits.
Jalige said, yesterday, that on Sunday, at about 10.30 a.m., operatives attached to 47 Police Mobile Force (PMF), on routine patrol along Fatika Road, came face-to-face with a gang of armed bandits in military camouflage, riding on motorcycles.
He said: “The gallant operatives swung into action immediately, engaged the bandits in a fierce duel and gave them a hot chase. In the process, one bandit in military camouflage was neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds. One operational motorcycle of the bandits was recovered.”
According to Jalige, aggressive patrols along the road have been intensified, with a view to forestalling future occurrence.
“Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State, Musa Garba, commended the gallantry and professionalism exhibited by the personnel, urging them to sustain onslaught against banditry and other forms of criminality in the state,” the PPRO added.
Security operatives, with a renewed vigour, recently, arrested over 300 suspected criminals in the state, a development that is clearing the capital of notorious killer gangs, popularly called Sara Suka in the Hausa language (loosely translated as ‘hack and stab’ gang).
