KADUNA - Armed gangs have kidnapped more than 160 churchgoers in Nigeria’s Kaduna state during Sunday service.
The gangs stormed two churches and forced congregants into the bush.
Nine of the congregants managed to escape.
The attack highlights Nigeria’s ongoing mass kidnapping problem.
Gangs known as bandits regularly carry out these attacks and demand ransom payments.
The incidents are predominantly in the northern and central parts and both muslims and christians are targeted.
Authorities say poor intelligence sharing and underfunded police are worsening efforts to stop the scourge.