Armed Man Abducts Dozens of Worshippers from Nigerian Mosque

A gunman surrounded a mosque and abducted numerous worshippers by forcing them through dense bush terrain, Nigerian police confirmed. The attack underscores persistent security challenges facing religious institutions across Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by armed criminal activity.

A police spokesperson said the assailant encircled the mosque before leading away the congregants through remote vegetation-covered routes, making immediate rescue efforts difficult. The spokesman did not provide specific details on the exact number of people abducted or their current status.

The incident adds to a troubling pattern of kidnappings and armed attacks at places of worship in Nigeria. Security forces have intensified operations in response to recurring violence targeting civilian populations, though such incidents continue to pose challenges for authorities.

Police did not immediately indicate whether the abduction was motivated by ransom demands, sectarian tensions, or other factors. Investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities work to locate the missing worshippers and apprehend the gunman responsible.