Gunmen have abducted at least 20 people, including a pastor and a new bride, in two separate attacks in the latest Nigerian kidnappings.
Attackers stormed the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church on Sunday in the central Kogi state, firing shots and forcing congregants to flee in panic. They seized the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers.
In another raid the night before in northern Sokoto state, a bride and her bridesmaids were among those kidnapped. A baby, the baby's mother, and another woman were also taken, according to AFP news reports.
Schools and places of worship have increasingly been targeted in this latest wave of attacks in north and central Nigeria.
It is unclear who is behind these kidnappings, although most analysts believe they are perpetrated by criminal gangs seeking ransom payments. However, a presidential spokesperson stated that there are indications they could be the work of jihadist groups.
Kogi state government spokesperson Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the attack in Ejiba to the BBC but was unable to verify the number of abducted individuals. He assured that authorities were actively pursuing the attackers.
In Sokoto, it was reported that the bride was in preparation for her wedding ceremony the morning after her abduction, alongside her friends and other guests who had come to support her.
As of now, approximately 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still missing following previous attacks, while some abducted in earlier raids have reportedly been released.
This disturbing trend of abductions has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities and has put increased pressure on authorities to enhance security for individuals at risk in schools, churches, and remote areas.
While ransom payments have been banned to disrupt the lucrative kidnapping industry, it is widely believed that such payments continue to occur.
The security crisis in Nigeria gained international attention last month after US President Donald Trump made threats regarding military intervention, citing ongoing violence against Christians.
Nigerian officials claim that victims of the violence and kidnappings include individuals of all faiths, disputing claims that Christians alone are being targeted.
