Pastor and his new wife kidnapped in recent Nigeria assaults

At least 20 people, among them a pastor and a newly married woman, have been kidnapped in two separate incidents in Nigeria. The first attack occurred at the recently founded Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kogi state, where gunmen opened fire, causing panic among worshippers and abducting the pastor, his wife, and several congregants.

The second incident took place the previous night in Sokoto state in the north, where a bride and her bridesmaids were kidnapped. Reports also indicate that a baby, the mother of the baby, and another woman were taken during the raid.

Schools and religious sites have increasingly been targeted in these recent attacks across northern and central Nigeria. While the perpetrators remain unidentified, analysts suggest criminal gangs motivated by ransom are likely responsible, though a presidential spokesperson has indicated the possibility of jihadist group involvement.

Kogi state government spokesman Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the Ejiba church attack but could not verify the number of people kidnapped. He stated that authorities are actively pursuing the attackers, adding, "The security network, comprising conventional agencies and local structures, is currently doing what it should."

In Sokoto, local reports said the bride was preparing for her wedding ceremony the following morning when she and her friends, along with other guests, were abducted.

In a separate incident, around 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers remain missing following the largest attack in recent weeks, while some victims of other raids have reportedly been released.

The surge in kidnappings has reignited concerns over the vulnerability of rural communities and added pressure on authorities to strengthen protection for schools, churches, and isolated areas. Although ransom payments are officially banned to curb the profitable kidnapping trade, it is widely believed they continue behind the scenes.

Last month, Nigeria's security crisis gained international attention when US President Donald Trump threatened military intervention if the government allowed continued killings. Nigerian officials stress that victims come from all faiths, countering claims that Christians are being specifically targeted.

Further reporting by Basillioh Rukanga highlights the debate over whether jihadist groups or criminal gangs are responsible, as well as the fear gripping communities after the abductions of hundreds of schoolchildren.

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Analysis: Rising Kidnappings in Nigeria Highlight Security Gaps

The recent abductions in Kogi and Sokoto states underscore a growing pattern of targeted attacks on religious sites and private gatherings. The incidents, which involved at least 20 people including a pastor, his wife, and a bride with her friends, illustrate the increasing vulnerability of rural communities.

Authorities confirm the attacks but face challenges in verifying the full extent of the kidnappings. In Kogi, local government officials report ongoing efforts to apprehend the perpetrators, while Sokoto authorities are investigating the raid on the bridal party. These events coincide with the disappearance of hundreds of schoolchildren in previous attacks, showing a persistent threat to both education and religious institutions.

Analysts suggest that criminal gangs motivated by ransom are the primary actors, although official statements do not rule out the involvement of jihadist groups. The repeated targeting of schools and churches indicates that existing security measures remain insufficient, and the pressure on Nigerian authorities to reinforce protection for vulnerable areas continues to grow.

Despite official bans on ransom payments, evidence suggests that kidnappings remain profitable and are likely to continue without stronger law enforcement coordination and community-based security strategies. The incidents contribute to ongoing national and international concern regarding Nigeria's broader security crisis.

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• Pastor and new bride abducted in latest Nigeria attacks