Nigeria, Jan. 19 -- Suspected bandits have abducted about 163 worshippers during a church service in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The abduction occurred on Sunday.

The Chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru LGA, Enoch Kaura, confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES during a telephone interview on Monday.

Mr Kaura stated that while 172 people were initially abducted, nine managed to escape shortly after the attack.

"The attack occurred while members were in the middle of the service. The bandits arrived in large numbers, blocked the church entrance, and forced the congregation into the bush," Mr Kaura explained.

"It has been confirmed that 172 people were abducted, including men, women,...