160 people, mostly Christians, kidnapped in Nigeria

There’s been another devastating attack in Nigeria, with eight people killed and 160 mostly Christian people kidnapped after Islamic militants targeted Kuchi village in Niger State. Please pray.

Nigeria is number six on the latest World Watch List

Eight people have been killed and around 160 people, mostly Christians, have been kidnapped after Islamic militants attacked a village in Nigeria.

The incident happened on Friday (24 May) when some 300 armed men believed to be from Ansaru (a breakaway faction of Boko Haram) entered the village of Kuchi in Niger state. An Open Doors contact says that it’s difficult to verify exact numbers and the names of those kidnapped because many have fled. Most of those taken are reported to be women and children. 

Attacks in the region have increased, leading to the formation of several displacement camps. Last month, armed gangs targeted several villages and kidnapped people for ransom.

• What’s it like to be a Christian in Nigeria?

Ansaru splintered off from Boko Haram in January 2012 and has since targeted civilians, including Westerners, the Nigerian Government and security officials. The group claims to defend Muslims throughout Africa by fighting against the Nigerian Government and international interests. While Ansaru says it identifies with Boko Haram, it has criticised the group for killing fellow Muslims. 

Unabated attacks

“We are saddened to learn about this latest attack in Niger State, however, attacks on largely Christian communities and villages in parts of northern Nigeria are ongoing whether at the hands of Boko Haram/ISWAP (Islamic State in West African Province), Ansaru or Fulani militants and happen largely unnoticed by the international community,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors spokesperson for sub-Saharan Africa. 

“We are horrified that these attacks continue unabated, displacing thousands of people from their homes, farmlands and livelihoods. We call on the international community to do everything in its power to ensure the Nigerian Government faithfully and transparently protects all communities and that the displaced receive the support they need in these circumstances.”