Fear and terror gripped attendees in Enugu State on Sunday when heavy gunmen attacked St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area and abducted three individuals during church service. One of the victims was a seminarian, a catechist and another worshipper but one of them was later freed by the captors.
Witnesses say the terrorists stormed the church compound while parishioners were gathering for Sunday service. Gunmen took away the seminarian, the catechist and a third worshipper, who were taken into a neighbouring woodland, it was said. The kidnappers released the catechist shortly afterwards but continued into the bush with the remaining two victims, leaving the crowd in shock and driving many attendees to run for safety.
Residents stated the attack happened in heavy rain and added to the pandemonium as people tried to escape. Witnesses said the attackers, thought to number at least seven, hit with minimal opposition before retreating into the jungle with their prisoners.
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the occurrence, saying a joint security operation including police personnel, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group had been started to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators. Security personnel immediately went into the nearby forests and other suspected hideouts following the attack, authorities added.
The police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, appealed to people to be calm, assuring the public that every resource was being deployed for the safe rescue of the abducted victims. He also urged to members of the public to give credible and timely information that could aid in ongoing activities.
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The recent occurrence has raised fears of a deteriorating security situation in parts of southeastern Nigeria where abductions for ransom have become more prevalent. That attack followed a similar alleged abduction of Catholic priest along the Okigwe-Umunneochi Road days earlier and raised fears among religious communities and residents.
The act has been denounced by religious leaders and members of the community who described it as a degradation of a place of worship and called on the security forces to enhance efforts to protect churches and other public places. Many locals have also called on federal and state governments to beef up security in vulnerable villages in Enugu State.
The two remaining victims of the abduction have not been rescued as of the time of this article and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Security officials said they are still investigating and are focusing efforts on discovering the kidnappers and obtaining the safe release of the victims.
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