MUSA OKONKWO

KURMIN WALI, Nigeria — Armed assailants kidnapped over 150 worshippers in coordinated raids on three churches in northwest Nigeria on Sunday, according to Usman Danlami Stingo, who represents the Kajuru area in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The attacks occurred in Kurmin Wali, a community in the Kajuru area of Kaduna state, while services were underway at an Evangelical Church Winning All congregation, a Cherubim and Seraphim church, and a Catholic church.

Stingo said 177 people were initially reported missing following the attacks. Eleven of those abducted later returned, leaving 168 people still missing as of Monday.

Police in Kaduna state had not commented on the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Mass abductions by armed groups have plagued northwest Nigeria in recent years, with gunmen targeting schools, villages and places of worship for ransom.