Gunmen have abducted two worshippers after attacking St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, with security operatives rescuing one victim during a pursuit.
The attack occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday when the assailants stormed the church and initially abducted three members of the congregation, according to eyewitnesses.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said a joint security team comprising police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group had launched an intensive operation to track down the attackers.
Ndukwe said the operatives closed in on the fleeing gunmen, forcing them to abandon one of the abducted victims, who was rescued unhurt.
He, however, said the assailants escaped with the remaining two victims.
The police spokesperson added that the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, had directed the Area Commander in Oji-River and the Head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to intensify ongoing rescue operations.
According to Ndukwe, the commissioner ordered the deployment of all available operational assets to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the arrest of the suspects.
“The commissioner urges residents of the community to remain calm and continue to support the police with credible and actionable information.
“The command is assuring them that every available resource is being deployed to secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said.
Boluwatife Enome
