Kidnappers release video showing hundreds abducted from Nigerian mosque

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that kidnappers have circulated a video showing what appears to be a large group of captives held by armed men in a forested area in Nigeria, two days after gunmen abducted worshippers from a mosque in Dekera village, Niger state. The article says local residents reported that as many as 600 people were taken during Friday prayers in coordinated raids on several communities.

According to the report, the footage spread on Facebook and WhatsApp and includes crying children and a gunman speaking in Hausa, apparently addressing families of the missing. Residents said they recognized some of the people shown, including relatives, elders, wives and children. News agencies said they could not independently verify when or where the video was filmed, and there was no indication that an older version of the clip had been posted online before Sunday.

Al Jazeera says state authorities have not publicly responded, while the information commissioner in Niger state said an operation was underway to assess the situation, track the attackers and support rescue efforts. Amnesty International also urged Nigerian authorities to secure the worshippers’ release.

The incident comes amid wider concern over mass kidnappings in northern and north-central Nigeria, where armed groups often abduct villagers, students and travelers for ransom. The report notes that security is expected to be a major issue ahead of Nigeria’s presidential election in January, as President Bola Tinubu faces criticism over the handling of insecurity.