[ad_1]
Gunmen killed a Catholic priest and kidnapped five followers in two raids on Sunday in central and northwest Nigeria, police sources said.
Around 02:00 GMT in Kafinkoro village (central), Niger state, armed individuals locally known as “bandits” set fire to the priest’s residence, burning him to death, Wasiu Biodun said. state police.
They set the house of Father Isaac Achi on fire after being unable to access it. “Unfortunately, bandits set the house on fire and the pastor was burned alive,” he said.
The assailant shot and wounded another priest who tried to escape. “Father Isaac’s corpse was recovered while Father Collins was taken to the hospital for treatment,” the spokesman added.
In another attack hours later, “bandits” broke into a village house in Dan Tsauni (Kankala district, northwest), Katsina state, and five worshipers prepared to attend Sunday Mass at a nearby church. kidnapped someone.
“The terrorists detained five people in the house, shot a priest in the hand, took five hostages and fled,” state police spokesman Gambo Isa told AFP.
READ ALSO: Kidnapped Catholic nun released in Nigeria – police
The priest was taken to hospital for treatment, he added.
Nigerian authorities are struggling to stem a rise in violence in northern and central regions, where armed groups are targeting rural areas, killing thousands and kidnapping for ransom. Residents said security forces were often outnumbered and gunned down, and suspects were rarely detained.
Attacks may target religious figures such as clergy. Last July, John Mark his Reverend Cheetnam was murdered after being kidnapped in northwestern Kaduna state.
Sunday’s incident sparked international condemnation. In a statement, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tagjani called the attack “cowardly and inhumane”.
Niger Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said the killing showed that no one was safe. “These terrorists have lost it. Drastic action is needed to end this ongoing carnage,” he said.
The Nigerian Christian Association has urged authorities to investigate and take further steps to protect civilians. “Enough of the attacks and unjust killings of innocent Nigerian citizens,” said the association’s president, Burs Johanna.
[ad_2]
Source link
