Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Over 160 abducted in Nigeria church attacks
On Sunday, January 19, 2024, armed gangs attacked several churches in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and kidnapped over 160 people.
Church leaders and local chiefs say the attack happened, but the police and government officials say they have no evidence of it.
These gangs, called 'bandits,' often kidnap people for money.
Nigeria has been having many problems with these kinds of attacks recently.
Some people think the attacks are about land and resources, but they also happen along religious and ethnic lines.
The United States has been paying attention to the violence in Nigeria, especially the targeting of Christians.
Armed gangs abducted over 160 worshippers from multiple churches in Kaduna State, Nigeria, on January 19, 2024.
Church leaders and local chiefs confirm the attack and the number of victims, while Kaduna authorities deny the incident.
The motive behind the attacks is believed to be kidnapping for ransom, part of a wave of targeted abductions in Nigeria.
The violence in Kaduna State is centered around competition for land and resources, often along ethnic and religious lines.
The United States has been focusing on the insecurity in Nigeria, particularly the targeting of Christians, and has conducted strikes against militants linked to the Islamic State group.
- Who
- Armed gangs (bandits) in Nigeria
- What
- Abduction of over 160 worshippers from multiple churches
- When
- January 19, 2024 (Sunday)
- Where
- Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Why
- Kidnapping for ransom, part of a wave of targeted abductions in Nigeria
Church Leaders and Local Chiefs
Kaduna Authorities
Number of Victims
Church Leaders and Local Chiefs
Over 160 people were abducted from multiple churches.
Kaduna Authorities
There is no evidence of any attack or kidnapping.
Confirmation of Attack
Church Leaders and Local Chiefs
The attack and abductions are confirmed by church leaders and local chiefs.
Kaduna Authorities
The Kaduna state police and internal security commissioner deny the attack and kidnappings.
- Location
- Kaduna State, Nigeria
- Date
- January 19, 2024
- Victims
- Over 160 (according to church leaders and local chiefs)
- Perpetrators
- Armed gangs (known as 'bandits')
- Source
- Reuters, AFP, Firstpost
- Motive
- Kidnapping for ransom
- Confirmation Status
- Disputed by authorities
