Pastor Killed, 20 villagers abducted in fresh Kaduna attack

Story by Susan Mbamah 

A pastor has been killed and more than 20 residents abducted after suspected bandits attacked Farin Dutse village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community at dawn, firing sporadically and forcing terrified villagers to flee into nearby bushes. The victim, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (Hekan), was shot dead while attempting to return from hiding, church officials said.

“He was shot from behind, and the bullet pierced through his chest. He died instantly,” the District Church Council leader, Rev. Dauda Gambo, stated.

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Hekan President, Rev. Dr. Amos Kiri, described the killing and mass abduction as “heartbreaking and senseless,” lamenting the continuous targeting of Christian communities in the area.

“This tragedy is another painful reminder of the insecurity our communities face daily,” he said. “Families are traumatized and living in fear.”

Rev. Kambasiya’s body has been deposited in a morgue as burial arrangements are underway, the church confirmed.

The attack adds to a series of violent incidents in Kauru. In December 2024, about 50 people including another pastor, Rev. Francis Lawal were abducted in the same region. Lawal later died in captivity. Earlier this month, four worshippers from Hekan Kakude Local Church were also kidnapped and remain missing.

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Rev. Kiri appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted villagers and protect vulnerable communities. He added that the church had notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Kaduna State authorities, and the police.

“We need urgent intervention and prayers for our nation,” he said. “We cannot continue to lose lives this way.”

For residents of Farin Dutse, the dawn attack has left behind grief, fear, and uncertainty.

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