Bandits Kidnap 16 Worshippers from Kaduna Church Amid Peace Deal Efforts

Armed bandits attacked a worship center in Gyiya village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting 16 worshippers during a Sunday morning service. The attack disrupted the congregation, causing panic as many attendees managed to escape.

This alarming event comes just days after the Kaduna State Government announced progress in a peace agreement with armed bandits who had been responsible for widespread kidnappings and killings in the region. The state government had claimed significant success in persuading several bandit leaders to surrender their arms and renounce violence, with efforts supported by federal agencies.

The peace initiative, led by Governor Uba Sani, had seen bandits operating across Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari local government areas agreeing to cease hostilities. As part of the initiative, the government had reopened a cattle market closed for over a decade due to insecurity and introduced a rehabilitation program for ‘repentant’ bandits.

Governor Sani described the rehabilitation program as adhering to international standards of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, aiming to reintegrate former bandits as productive members of society. However, he emphasized that the initiative follows a “carrot and stick” approach, pledging decisive action against individuals who persist in violent activities.

Despite these efforts, the attack on Alheri Baptist Church has raised fresh concerns about the effectiveness of the peace deal. Local residents, including Bulus Luqman, reported the incident, highlighting the continued threat posed by banditry in the state. Attempts to reach Mansur Hassan, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, were unsuccessful as he was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.