Suspected gunmen on Sunday attacked ECWA Church, Gabaciwa in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killed one person and wounded several other worshippers.
A resident in the area, Mr. Moses Andrew told DAILY POST on Sunday evening that the gunmen appeared during the service and started shooting in different directions.
Many worshippers ran in different directions, including the pastor of the church.
Unfortunately, a worshiper was killed, while several other worshippers sustained injuries.
Confirming the reports on Sunday, the Kaduna State Government condemned the attack in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs.
According to the statement, “The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned in the strongest terms an attack against worshippers on Sunday morning by gunmen.”
He said security agencies reported to the government that the attack occurred at the church.
He added that the security agencies are obtaining further details, on which the government will update the public in due course.
The Governor, who expressed sadness over the incident, described it as an evil act targetting innocent citizens exercising their constitutional and universal rights to religious freedom.
The Governor added that the attack on the worshippers was a divisive intent of the criminals leveraging religious sensitivity.
He condoled with the ECWA Church and the family of the deceased in particular and prayed for the repose of the soul of the worshipper.
He said the Governor who is awaiting further reports on the incident has directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to assess the area and provide succor to the victims receiving medical attention.
Similarly, the Governor has condoled the family of one Nasiru Abdullahi of Gobirawan Kamacha in Bina general area of Igabi local government who was killed by armed bandits.
“As of the time of this update, the government is awaiting other situation reports from security agencies,” the statement further said.
John Gabriel, Daily Post