Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – Gunmen have kidnapped 25 people from a church in Nigeria’s southern state of Rivers. According to reports, the attackers arrived in three boats and opened fire on worshippers as they attended a service at the church on Sunday morning. Many of the church-goers dove into the river to escape the attack, but the attackers managed to seize 25 people and fled the scene.
This is the latest in a series of attacks in Nigeria, where insecurity has been a major concern for the country’s leaders. The country is currently preparing for the inauguration of its new president, Bola Tinubu, who will be taking office later this month. The rising violence and insecurity in the country is expected to be one of the main challenges facing President Tinubu.
The exact motive behind the attack is currently unknown, but it is believed that the attackers were seeking to secure a ransom for the release of the kidnapped victims. In recent years, Nigeria has been plagued by criminal gangs who have been carrying out kidnappings for ransom and other violent crimes.
The kidnapping has sparked condemnation from religious leaders and politicians alike. Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church described the attack as “barbaric and wicked.” He urged the government to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and to provide increased security for churches and other religious institutions.
Meanwhile, the state government has vowed to do everything possible to secure the safe release of the kidnapped victims. According to a statement from the governor’s office, a search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate and rescue the kidnapped victims.
The attack has also drawn attention to the urgent need for improved security measures in Nigeria. Analysts have called on the government to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and corruption. They argue that unless these underlying issues are addressed, the country will continue to face a rising tide of insecurity and violence.
These issues will undoubtedly be major challenges for President Tinubu as he takes office later this month. It remains to be seen what steps his government will take to address these complex and pressing issues and secure the country’s future.
