Nigeria: At Least 51 Kidnapped, Three Killed in Attacks

At least 51 people have been kidnapped and three killed in attacks by gunmen on villages in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, in the last three days.

The attacks took place in four communities, with the perpetrators abducting a Catholic priest and an imam, according to the French news agency (AFP).

Northern Nigeria has been plagued by gang attacks, often linked to jihadist organizations, who loot, kidnap residents for ransom, and burn houses.

On January 18, 183 people were abducted in attacks on three churches in Kaduna State. Although many have been released, the security situation remains worrying.

The United States has criticized Nigeria for failing to tackle crime, while then-US President Donald Trump spoke of a 'persecution' of Christians, a claim the Nigerian government denies.