By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Armed bandits have once again attacked Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing a clergyman of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, and abducting more than 20 residents, including several church members.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left the community in mourning as the assailants unleashed gunfire and terror on unarmed villagers.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the President of HEKAN, Rev. Dr. Amos G. Kiri, condemned the invasion, describing it as “callous, inhumane, and a deliberate attempt to frustrate the church and its members.”
According to the statement, the slain clergyman, Rev. Yahaya Kambasaya, was shot dead while attempting to check on his congregation after the gunmen had retreated.
“Rev. Kambasaya and a few others hid in a nearby farm during the attack. When the gunfire subsided, he came out thinking the assailants had left, but he was shot from behind. The bullet pierced through his chest, and he died instantly,” Rev. Kiri narrated.
The church leader disclosed that the body of the deceased pastor has been deposited in a morgue, pending the family’s approval for burial arrangements.
He noted that HEKAN members in Kauru LGA have suffered repeated attacks from armed bandits and cattle rustlers, leaving many displaced or traumatized.
“This is not the first time our members are being attacked. On October 19, four HEKAN members were kidnapped and are still in captivity. The repeated incidents are deeply troubling,” Rev. Kiri said.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We urge the government and security authorities to act swiftly. Families of the kidnapped are in severe distress, and the community is living in fear,” the statement read.
Rev. Kiri also appealed to Nigerians to pray for peace and divine intervention amid worsening insecurity that has hindered farming and economic activities in rural areas.
“Many farmers can no longer access their farms due to fear of abduction or death. We pray for God’s mercy upon Nigeria and for healing for affected families,” he added.
HEKAN recalled that similar attacks were recorded in the same area on December 4, 2024, when bandits abducted 50 persons, including another pastor, Rev. Francis Lawal. One victim reportedly died in captivity, while others were released after months of trauma.
The church said it has formally notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Police Command, and other relevant authorities of the latest attack.
When contacted, Kaduna Police Command spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, did not respond to inquiries as of press time.
