Gunmen have abducted at least 20 people, including a pastor and a new bride, in two separate attacks in the latest wave of kidnappings in Nigeria.
Attackers stormed the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in central Kogi state on Sunday, firing shots and forcing congregants to flee in panic. The pastor, his wife, and several worshippers were taken.
In another raid in northern Sokoto state the night before, the abductors seized a bride, her bridesmaids, a baby, the baby's mother, and another woman, as reported by the AFP news agency.
This alarming trend of targeting schools and places of worship has escalated in Nigeria's north and central regions.
The exact motives behind these kidnappings remain unclear. Analysts suspect criminal gangs seeking ransom payments, while a presidential spokesman has suggested the involvement of jihadist groups.
Kogi state spokesman Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the attack in Ejiba but did not provide specific numbers of those abducted, assuring that efforts to track down the attackers were underway.
Local reports indicated that the bride, set to marry the following day, was captured with her friends and wedding guests.
Approximately 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still unaccounted for following one of the largest kidnapping incidents in recent weeks, while others taken in earlier attacks have reportedly been released.
The recent uptick in abductions has reignited fears over the security of rural communities, increasing pressure on authorities to strengthen protections for vulnerable populations, including schools and places of worship.
Despite a ban on paying ransoms, it appears payments continue in an attempt to combat the lucrative kidnapping trade.
Nigeria's security challenges gained international attention after comments from US President Donald Trump regarding the alleged targeting of Christians, with Nigerian officials asserting that victims encompass all religious backgrounds.
Additional reporting by Basillioh Rukanga
