Gunmen kill doctor, abduct five in Kaduna church attack

Gunmen on Sunday attacked worshippers at Haske Baptist Church, Manini community in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A medical doctor was said to have been killed during the attack, while five persons were abducted.

The bandits reportedly invaded the church around 9am on Sunday when church service was going on and opened fire on the worshippers.

The bandits were said to have come on motorcycles with sophisticated weapons.

The name of the slain doctor was given as Zakariya Dogonyaro, personnel of the Kaduna Ministry of Health.

A source said five other people, including three of Dogonyaro’s relatives were abducted by the gunmen.

TheCable quoted a source, Bala, as saying, “Church service was going on when gunmen just came and surrounded the church and started shooting. The came at about 9am. They were many and they were riding on motorcycles. They started shooting indiscriminately as we scampered for safety.

“My uncle, Dr. Zakariya Dogonyaro, was killed instantly. He works with the Kaduna state ministry of health. They shot him and he died on the spot.

“They kidnapped five people, including my late brother’s wife, my step mother, my elder brother’s daughter and two other people.”

Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammad Jalige, did not respond to telephone calls when contacted.

But Kaduna Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack in a statement.

He said security reports indicated that four persons were abducted.

Kaduna has come under intense attacks by bandits in recent times, despite efforts by security agencies to contain the situation.

Gunmen have invaded communities and schools, killing people and abducting others.

 

Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has condemned the activities of bandits, insisting that they were criminals undermining the sovereignty of Nigeria and deserved to be eliminated.