By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government has condemned in the strongest terms the attack by armed bandits on a place of worship on Sunday morning in Manini village, Chikun Local Government Area.

Security agencies reported that armed bandits attacked congregants at Haske Baptist Church, Manini, about 9:30 a.m. and killed a worshipper, Dr Zechariah Dogonyaro.

According to a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, and made available to journalists, about four worshippers were abducted from the church.

He said: “One resident, Shehu Mainika was injured in the general area by the bandits.

“In other reports received from security agencies, armed bandits invaded Bagoma village, Birnin Gwari LGA and killed six persons, listed as: Bala Gwamna, Kasage Ali, Mai Jakki, Makeri Kugu, Huruna Kawu and Ali Agaji.

“One person, Salisu Gwamna, elder brother of the deceased Bala Gwamna, was injured in the attack.

“Also reported was an attack by armed bandits at Amfu village in Kachia LGA, in which one Mrs. Rahila Dauda was shot dead.

“Finally, the partially burnt corpse of a seven-year-old, Abubakar Sarki Musa was found in an uncompleted building in Hayin Danmani area, Rigasa, Igabi LGA.

“One Saddique Umar, an 18-year-old resident of the area, confessed to killing him, after luring the boy into the deserted building in a bid to steal a phone placed in his possession.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai roundly denounced the attack on the church in Chikun LGA as a shocking act of depraved persons far-removed from humanity.

“The Governor added that attacking innocent worshippers who were exercising their natural and lawful right to assemble in worship, represented the worst kind of evil.

“The Governor sent heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and to the Haske Baptist Church.

“The Governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the slain in all the attacks. He also wished the injured victim a speedy recovery.”

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