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At least 20 people, including a pastor, his wife, and a new bride, have been abducted in two separate attacks amid a surge in kidnappings in Nigeria.
Gunmen stormed the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kogi State on Sunday, firing shots and causing panic among worshippers. The attackers seized the pastor, his wife, and several congregants before fleeing.
A day earlier in Sokoto State, a bride preparing for her wedding and her bridesmaids were kidnapped. A baby, the mother of the baby, and another woman were also taken, according to AFP.
Schools and religious centres have increasingly become targets in northern and central Nigeria. Although it is unclear who carried out the latest attacks, analysts say criminal gangs seeking ransom are often responsible, while a presidential spokesman suggested jihadist groups may be involved.
Kogi State government spokesman Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the church attack but could not verify the number of victims. He said security agencies and local operatives are working to track down the perpetrators.
In Sokoto, local reports indicate the bride was taken alongside friends and guests who had gathered ahead of her wedding ceremony.
The rising abductions have intensified concerns about the safety of rural communities. More than 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers remain missing after a major attack weeks earlier, though some victims of other raids have since been released.
Despite a law banning ransom payments, many believe such payments continue to fuel the kidnapping business.
Nigeria’s security situation drew global attention last month when US President Donald Trump warned of possible troop deployment if the government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.” Nigerian officials insist victims cut across all faiths and deny claims that Christians are being specifically targeted.
