World News
Kidnappers release video showing hundreds abducted from Nigerian mosque
Footage has emerged two days after gunmen reportedly kidnapped up to 600 worshippers during Friday prayers in Niger state.
The short version
- A video posted online shows a large group of captives held in a forested area following a mass abduction during Friday prayers at a mosque in Dekera, Niger state.
- Up to 600 worshippers were taken in coordinated raids, according to local reports, with residents confirming the identities of family members in the footage.
- State officials reported that a security operation is underway to locate the attackers and rescue the hostages, though police have not formally responded to inquiries.
Key facts
- A video released online on Sunday showed a large group of hostages guarded by armed men in a forest, with gunmen addressing families in the Hausa language.[Al Jazeera]
- Gunmen abducted as many as 600 worshippers during Friday prayers in Dekera village, located in Nigeria's north-central Niger state.[Al Jazeera]
- Dekera residents identified relatives, elders, wives, and children among the hostages shown in the video footage.[Al Jazeera]
- State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Obed Nana stated that an operation is underway to track the attackers and rescue the captives.[Al Jazeera]
- Amnesty International called on Nigerian authorities to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- The exact date and filming location of the kidnappers' video could not be independently verified by news organizations, though no prior versions were found online before Sunday.[Al Jazeera]
- Police and state authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the exact number of people abducted or the status of the investigation.[Al Jazeera]