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Gunmen kidnap people from mosque in north-west Nigeria

Gunmen have attacked a mosque in the north-west Nigerian state of Katsina opening fire and kidnapping nearly 20 worshippers. The raid, in the town

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Gunmen have attacked a mosque in the north-west Nigerian state of Katsina opening fire and kidnapping nearly 20 worshippers.

The raid, in the town of Funtua, happened on Saturday night as people gathered for prayers.

Spokesperson for the Katsina state police Gambo Isah told the BBC that the imam of the mosque and one other worshipper had been wounded.

But he added that they had already been discharged from hospital after being treated.

Mr Isah said a combined team of police, the military and local vigilantes had immediately rescued some of those abducted, but 13 people were still missing.

Efforts were under way to track down the suspected kidnappers and rescue the hostages

This is the latest attack as the country continues to grapple with armed gangs kidnapping people for ransom.

Katsina is President Muhammadu Buhari’s home state and is among the worst hit by the violence.

The insecurity is one of the key campaign issues as Nigeria prepares for elections due to take place in February to choose a successor to Mr Buhari. He is serving his second and final term in office.

BBC Africa

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