Gunmen attack Catholic Church in Enugu, kidnap 3 worshippers

Gunmen have abducted three persons following an attack on St Joseph Catholic Church at Inoyi, Affa Community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Some eyewitnesses disclosed that the gunmen stormed the church at about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and abducted three members of the church.

Confirming the incident via a statement issued 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 has intensified trail of the gunmen.

Ndukwe said the operatives, while closing in on the fleeing assailants, forced them to abandon one of the victims, who was rescued unhurt.

Ndukwe disclosed that the assailants, however, escaped with the remaining two victims.

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He added that the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, had directed the Area Commander, Oji-River, and the Head of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to further intensify ongoing operations.

Ndukwe quoted the police commissioner as directing them to deploy all available operational assets to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and the apprehension of the suspects.

The police spokesman said: “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.”