Panic as Gunmen Invade Catholic Church During Mass, Abduct Seminarian, Catechist, Another Worshipper

By Our Reporter

ENUGU, Nigeria — Panic erupted at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday after heavily armed gunmen reportedly invaded the church during morning Mass and abducted a seminarian and another worshipper.

According to reports, the attackers, said to be at least seven in number, stormed the church while worshippers were gathered for service despite heavy rainfall, sending the congregation scrambling for safety as gunshots rang out.

Social media commentator Sen Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, who first shared details of the incident, said the gunmen initially abducted three people—a seminarian, a catechist and another worshipper.

“The gunmen invaded the church during the service and abducted a seminarian, a catechist and another worshipper. The catechist was later released, but the seminarian and the other victim are still being held,” Ugwuanyi said.

Residents said local youths have since launched a search through nearby bushes, but fears remain high because the kidnappers are believed to be heavily armed.

“The whole village has been thrown into panic as the search continues,” Ugwuanyi added, while calling on authorities to strengthen security in the area.

In a video circulating online, one resident expressed the community’s frustration.

“We are ready to defend our community and even go into the bush after these criminals, but how do we do that without arms?” the resident said.

Reports also indicate that one of the abducted victims had returned home for his father’s burial before he was kidnapped during the attack. The victim’s identity has not been officially confirmed.

As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had not released an official statement on the incident.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over the safety of places of worship in Nigeria’s Southeast, where religious leaders have repeatedly urged authorities to intensify efforts against kidnapping and violent crime.

This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.