In a disturbing turn of events, armed bandits attacked a place of worship in Kaduna State on Sunday, abducting 16 congregants.
This attack comes just a week after the Kaduna State Government announced a peace agreement with these very bandits, who have been responsible for numerous kidnappings and killings in the region.
The state government had recently taken steps towards achieving peace, with a significant number of bandits operating in several local government areas agreeing to lay down their arms and cease their violent activities. These bandits had previously wreaked havoc across the state, targeting communities and major highways.
The recent peace agreement, brokered with the assistance of federal agencies, saw the ‘surrender’ of several bandit leaders and their followers, who pledged to renounce violence. However, this latest attack in Gyiya village, Chikun Local Government Area, casts a shadow over these efforts.
Local residents confirmed the attack, reporting that armed bandits stormed Alheri Baptist Church during a service, creating chaos and terrorizing the congregation. While some worshippers managed to escape, 16 individuals were abducted by the assailants.
This incident comes on the heels of Governor Uba Sani’s announcement of a peace agreement with the bandits and the reception of the first set of ‘repentant’ bandits. The governor had emphasised his commitment to fairness and justice for all residents and established “The Peace Dialogue Group” to foster peaceful coexistence.
Governor Sani had stated that ‘repentant’ bandits would undergo a rehabilitation programme, while also warning that those who continue to engage in violence would face decisive action.
Efforts for journalists to reach the spokesperson for the state police command for comment were unsuccessful.
