5 killed, several abducted in fresh attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria

KADUNA, Nigeria — The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna in Nigeria has condemned a fresh wave of terrorist attacks on Christian communities under the pastoral care of Sts. Peter and Paul Kurmin Parish located in Dangana District of Kaduna state, following deadly raids that left at least five people dead, several others injured, and many abducted.

In a letter published May 24 addressed to the secretary-general of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the chancellor of the Nigerian metropolitan see detailed “incessant terrorist attacks” targeting parish outstations in Kagarko Local Government Area.

According to Father Christian Okewu Emmanuel, the latest attack occurred on May 21 in the outstation of Kurmin Bongo.

“The terrorist struck between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., during heavy rainfall. In spite of the efforts of the vigilante group, five persons were killed, while 10 others were abducted, out of which two were rescued through the efforts of the vigilante group,” the priest said in the letter dated May 22.

He explained that the attack on the Kurmin Bongo outstation was the latest in a series of assaults on Catholic communities in the area.

“Earlier, two other attacks had taken place in the outstations of Kasaru-B on March 2 and Sabon Gari on May 1. During the attack on Kasaru-B, one person was shot dead, another sustained several gunshot injuries, while eight others, including the Mai Wa’azi, were abducted. Although they later regained their freedom, two of them were killed in the terrorists’ den,” Emmanuel recounted.

The attack on Sabon Gari came barely two weeks after the release of the Kasaru-B victims.

According to the chancellor, “two persons sustained gunshot injuries, while 10 others were abducted,” with one of the abductees later killed while still being held captive.

He condemned what he described as “incessant attacks” on the affected communities and appealed to government authorities and security agencies to strengthen protection for vulnerable populations.

“The archdiocese condemns these incessant attacks in the strongest terms and calls on government and the security agencies to intensify efforts towards the protection of lives and properties of such besieged areas,” Emmanuel said.

He went on to note that repeated violence has deepened fear and instability among residents.

“Needless to say, these repeated attacks have displaced affected persons and thrown the communities into untold sorrows, fears, and uncertainty,” the chancellor added.

Nigeria has continued to experience widespread insecurity marked by kidnappings, armed attacks, and killings carried out by criminal gangs and insurgent groups.

Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has remained a major security challenge in the West African nation. In several parts of the country, violence has also been linked to armed Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, and has been adapted by EWTN News.

Source: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/africa/5-killed-several-abducted-in-fresh-attacks-on-christian-communities-in-nigeria