03/08/2026
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed that armed kidnappers attacked St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, abducting worshippers during an early morning service.
According to the police, three people were taken when the gunmen stormed the church before fleeing into a nearby forest.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command's spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said a joint security team comprising police officers, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group immediately launched a rescue operation.
The operation led to the rescue of one of the victims after the kidnappers reportedly abandoned the person while fleeing from security operatives. However, the attackers escaped with the remaining two abductees, and efforts to secure their release are ongoing.
Meanwhile, residents who witnessed the incident said the attack occurred on the morning of August 2 while worshippers were arriving for church despite the rainfall.
According to locals in a video shared online, at least seven heavily armed men invaded the church and abducted several worshippers, including a seminarian. They said residents attempted to pursue the kidnappers but were unable to confront them because the attackers were heavily armed.
