Fresh Wave of Abductions Hits Nigeria: Pastor and Bride Among Victims

Wed Dec 03 2025 05:41:39 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In recent events, a pastor and a newlywed bride were kidnapped in Nigeria, highlighting the alarming resurgence of violence in rural communities. The attacks raise urgent concerns about security and the persistent threat of organized crime.

In the latest series of kidnappings in Nigeria, gunmen have abducted at least 20 individuals, including a pastor and his wife, during an attack on their church in Kogi State. Meanwhile, in Sokoto State, a bride was seized along with her wedding party just before her ceremony. These incidents are part of a growing trend targeting schools and places of worship, amid ongoing debates over the identity of the perpetrators and the government's handling of security challenges.

Gunmen have abducted at least 20 people, including a pastor and a new bride, in two separate attacks in the latest Nigerian kidnappings.

Attackers stormed the newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church on Sunday in the central Kogi State, firing shots and forcing congregants to flee in panic. They seized the pastor, his wife, and several worshippers.

In another raid the night before in the northern Sokoto State, a bride and her bridesmaids were among those kidnapped. A baby, the baby's mother, and another woman were also taken, according to reports by the AFP news agency.

Schools and places of worship have increasingly been targeted in the latest wave of attacks in north and central Nigeria.

It is not clear who is behind the kidnappings. The majority of analysts believe they are carried out by criminal gangs seeking ransom payments; however, a presidential spokesman has stated they believe jihadist groups may be involved.

Kogi State government spokesman Kingsley Fanwo confirmed the attack in Ejiba but could not verify the number of people abducted. He noted that authorities are actively working to track down the attackers.

In the attack in Sokoto, local media reported that the bride was preparing for her wedding ceremony the following morning when she was seized, alongside her friends and guests.

About 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers are still believed to be missing following what has been described as one of the most significant attacks in recent weeks, though reports indicate that several others abducted have been released.

The resurgence of these abductions raises renewed concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities and puts pressure on authorities to enhance protection for schools, churches, and isolated areas.

Despite a crackdown on ransom payments, it is widely believed that such payments continue in the background, sustaining the lucrative kidnapping industry.

Nigeria's ongoing security crisis received heightened international attention last month when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military intervention if the Nigerian government failed to curb violence against Christians.

Nigerian officials and analysts assert that individuals from all faiths are victims of the turmoil, contesting claims that only Christians are targeted.