Fear returned to Kurmin Wali village in northern Kaduna state as armed gangs struck again on Sunday.
Over 170 villagers were seized during Sunday church services, including the husband of Afiniki Moses, who had been recently released by kidnappers.
Moses said her children later escaped, but her husband remains among 163 people still missing, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria.
“They kidnapped a large number of people in the community, and my husband happened to be among them,” she said, visibly shaken.
The attack comes amid mounting concerns over kidnappings in northern Nigeria, targeting both Christian and Muslim communities for ransom.
President Donald Trump has previously threatened military action, citing alleged persecution of Christians, and launched an airstrike on Christmas Day.
The Nigerian government denies systematic religious persecution and says it is actively fighting violent groups responsible for the abductions.
Authorities have also hired a Washington-based firm to help communicate Nigeria’s efforts to protect Christian communities from attacks.
Kidnappings in northern Nigeria have risen over the years, often carried out by gangs on motorcycles who raid remote villages.
Inside the Evangelical Church Winning All, one of the churches targeted, chairs were overturned, a Bible lay abandoned, and musical instruments scattered.
Idris Madami, outside a nearby church when the gunmen arrived, escaped but said about 20 family members were taken during the attack.
“I have two wives and three children among those kidnapped,” he told Reuters, adding that he has not heard from them since.
The attacks in Kurmin Wali highlight the growing insecurity in northern Nigeria and the peril facing villagers attending regular church services.
Government efforts continue, but repeated raids signal that armed gangs remain emboldened, exploiting gaps in security across remote communities.
The international community watches closely as Nigeria grapples with violent abductions, while victims’ families remain trapped in fear and uncertainty.