A fresh Kaduna bandit attack has left at least 32 persons abducted, including a Catholic catechist, his heavily pregnant wife and their baby, following a midnight raid on Kutaho and Kugir communities in Kagarko Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday in Aribi Ward, has forced more than 90 percent of residents to flee their homes, according to local church authorities.
Mass Abduction After Ransom Threat
Confirming the incident, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kutaho, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, said the bandits had earlier issued threats and demanded ransom from residents before carrying out the assault.
According to him, one parishioner received a demand of ₦10 million, with threats of abduction if payment was not made. The attackers allegedly justified their demand by claiming that residents engaged in irrigation farming and ginger cultivation had sufficient financial capacity.
Despite prior warnings to remain vigilant, the gunmen returned as threatened and launched a coordinated attack while many residents were asleep.
Breakdown of Victims
Fr. Bobai disclosed that 16 persons were abducted from Kutaho, including the catechist, his pregnant wife and their baby. Another 16 residents were taken from neighbouring Kugir community, bringing the total number of abducted persons to 32.
He explained that although more than 20 residents were initially rounded up in Kutaho, some elderly individuals and those with health challenges were later released.
In Kugir, the attackers reportedly stormed a church outstation residence and abducted several occupants, including children. Some victims, however, managed to escape while being marched into the bush.
Village Head Injured
The village head, locally known as the Dakachi, narrowly escaped death during the Kaduna bandit attack. He reportedly sustained serious machete injuries to his head and arm and was rushed to Kagarko for medical treatment.
Residents Desert Communities
The renewed violence has triggered mass displacement, with over 90 percent of residents abandoning their homes out of fear of further attacks.
“More than 90 percent of our people slept outside the community. Only a few of us remained behind to keep vigil. Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” Fr. Bobai said.
He noted that security personnel stationed in a neighbouring community had earlier been informed about the threats. However, residents were reportedly told that regular patrols were limited in the area.
Call for Urgent Intervention
Community leaders have appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies for immediate intervention to restore safety and facilitate the rescue of the abducted victims.
The latest Kaduna bandit attack underscores persistent security challenges in rural communities across parts of the state, where residents continue to demand sustained security presence and proactive patrols.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had not issued an official statement. Calls to the police spokesperson were reportedly unanswered.
Families of the abducted victims have called for urgent government action and prayers to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
