Summary
Gunmen kidnapped about 177 Christian worshippers from three churches during services in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Initially, local authorities denied the kidnappings, but police later confirmed the abductions, deploying tactical units to find the victims. The incident has prompted criticism from international human rights groups and attention from U.S. officials.
Key Facts
- Around 177 Christians were kidnapped from three churches during services in the village of Kurmin Wali, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
- The Nigerian police initially denied the kidnappings but later confirmed the incident.
- Tactical units have been sent to rescue the victims.
- 11 of the abducted individuals managed to escape, leaving 168 still missing.
- Human rights groups criticized the Nigerian authorities for initially denying the attacks.
- The kidnappings have drawn attention from the U.S., with President Trump speaking out against persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
- No group has officially claimed responsibility, but witnesses suggested the gunmen were Fulani militants.
