Worshipper gunned down as bandits break into Kaduna Church

Bandits invaded the Evangelical Church of Winning All (ECWA), Gavaciwa in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, killing a worshipper.

The armed men reportedly struck while the church service was ongoing.

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The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the attack, saying gunmen also killed one Nasiru Abdullahi of Gobirawan Kamacha in Bina General area of Igabi Local Government Area.

He said Governor Nasir El-Rufai had condemned the attacks and condoled with the families of those who lost their lives.

Aruwan quoted El-Rufai to have said that the attack on the worshippers was a divisive intent of the criminals who play on religious sensitivity.

The commissioner said, “The Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned in the strongest terms an attack against worshippers on Sunday morning by gunmen.

“Security agencies reported to the Government that the attack occurred at ECWA Church, Gabaciwa in Kachia local government.

“According to the report, a life was lost and some worshippers were seriously injured, who have been rushed to a medical facility.

“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 targeting 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.

“The governor condoled the ECWA Church and the family of the deceased in particular, and prayed for the repose of the soul of the worshipper.”

He said governor had directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to asses the area and provide succour to the victims currently receiving medical attention.