Gunmen invade Enugu church, abduct seminarian and worshippers as security forces launch rescue operation
Suspected gunmen have abducted a seminarian and two worshippers after attacking St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, during a Sunday morning service.
The assailants reportedly stormed the church at about 8:30 a.m. and whisked away the three victims before fleeing the scene.
In response, a joint security team comprising police operatives, forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch group launched a coordinated rescue operation and pursued the attackers.
The Enugu State Police Command said the operatives mounted pressure on the fleeing gunmen, forcing them to abandon one of the captives, who was rescued unhurt. The remaining two victims, however, are still being held by the abductors.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has directed the Area Commander and the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The Police Command also said additional operational assets have been deployed, while the State Intelligence Department (SID) and the Command-and-Control Centre have been activated to provide intelligence and technical support for the ongoing operation.
Authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in rescuing the remaining victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
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