Gunmen on Sunday reportedly invaded St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, abducting a seminarian and at least one worshipper during a church service, in another incident that has raised concerns over growing insecurity in parts of the South-East.
The attack, which reportedly occurred during the morning Mass, threw worshippers into panic as the armed men stormed the church premises and whisked away their victims before fleeing the area.
The incident was disclosed by social media influencer, Sen Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, in a Facebook post on Sunday.
According to Ugwuanyi, the gunmen initially abducted a seminarian who had come to the church to celebrate Mass, a catechist and another worshipper.
He, however, said the kidnappers later released the catechist but took the seminarian and the other victim away to an unknown destination.
“Gunmen invaded St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa, in Udi Local Government Area during Mass and abducted a seminarian, a catechist and another worshipper. The catechist was later released, while the seminarian and the other victim remain in captivity,” he stated.
The development has thrown the quiet community into fear, with residents and church members anxiously awaiting news about the victims.
Ugwuanyi said local youths immediately organised a search operation in nearby forests and bushes in an effort to rescue those abducted.
However, he noted that the volunteers were proceeding with caution because the kidnappers were believed to be heavily armed.
“The whole village is thrown into frenzy as the search continues,” he wrote.
He also called on the government and security agencies to strengthen efforts to address the worsening security situation in the area and ensure the safe return of those abducted.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Enugu State Police Command confirming the incident or providing details of ongoing rescue efforts.
The Catholic Church had also not issued an official statement on the attack.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over attacks on churches, religious leaders and worshippers in different parts of Nigeria.
In recent years, several Catholic priests, seminarians and other clerics have been abducted by gunmen, particularly in parts of the South-East, South-South and North-Central regions.
While some victims have been released after days or weeks in captivity, others have lost their lives during such attacks, drawing condemnation from religious organisations and civil society groups.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges, with criminal gangs increasingly targeting travellers, farmers, traditional rulers, students, businessmen and religious leaders.
Enugu State has recorded several security incidents in recent years despite efforts by the state government and security agencies to curb criminal activities.
Authorities have introduced different security measures, including neighbourhood watch groups, joint security operations and increased patrols in vulnerable communities.
The state government has also continued to work with security agencies to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes through intelligence gathering and community policing initiatives.
Despite these efforts, residents of some rural communities have continued to express concern over the activities of armed groups operating in forests and remote areas.
Community leaders have repeatedly called for increased security presence, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to attacks.
Sunday’s incident has once again highlighted the security challenges confronting many communities, especially as criminals appear to be extending their operations to places previously considered relatively safe.
Residents of Affa community described the attack as shocking, saying worshippers never imagined that gunmen would invade a church during a religious service.
Many families reportedly gathered outside the church after news of the attack spread, while others joined local youths searching nearby bushes for possible clues that could lead to the victims’ rescue.
The incident has also renewed calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities to improve intelligence gathering and prevent future attacks.
As search efforts continued on Sunday, residents expressed hope that the abducted seminarian and the other worshipper would be rescued unharmed.