Enugu, Nigeria – Gunmen Kidnap Seminarian and Worshippers at Catholic Church

On August 2, gunmen stormed St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, abducting a seminarian, a catechist and a worshipper during the morning Mass. The catechist was later released, while the seminarian and another victim remain missing. Community members reported the attackers were armed with AK‑47s and fled after a brief chase. The incident follows a series of recent attacks on Catholic sites in Nigeria, including the murder of Father Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro in Kogi State on July 29 and the kidnapping of a seminarian in Otukpo, Benue State on August 1. Local authorities and police have launched searches, and residents have called on the Enugu State government to intensify security measures. The spate of violence highlights growing insecurity affecting religious gatherings in the region.