Bandits attack church in Kebbi, abduct female worshippers

Bandits attack church in Kebbi, abduct female worshippers

Gunmen believed to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group have reportedly attacked a church in Zagami village, Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state on Sunday.

Hussaini Aliyu Bena, the LGA chairman, said the gunmen stormed the village, located a few kilometres from the Zamfara border — and abducted an unknown number of women.

“We are yet to get their names due to poor network in the area. So far, no contact has been established with anyone regarding the victims.”

The LGA chairman expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend in the state, adding that bandits now see Kebbi as a soft target for attacks and abductions, allegedly due to an agreement with the Zamfara government.

Bena said efforts by the Kebbi state government to deploy troops to the area last year were hindered by the rainy season.

He said new arrangements had been concluded for a large-scale deployment to secure the border communities.

The Kebbi state government has also reportedly confirmed that about 10 worshippers were abducted during the attack.

Ahmed Idris, the chief press secretary to the governor, on Sunday, said some worshippers were also injured during the invasion.

There have been several incidents of attacks on Kebbi communities in recent times.

On Saturday, suspected gunmen killed 15 farmers in an attack on the Waje community, Danko Wasagu LGA of the state.

The attackers also injured three people during the assault.

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