BREAKING: Bandits launch attack on Kaduna communities, abduct Catechist, 32 others

Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State have abandoned their homes following a deadly midnight attack by suspected bandits that left at least 32 persons abducted, including a Catholic catechist, his heavily pregnant wife and their baby.

The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday, has triggered mass displacement, with community leaders estimating that over 90 per cent of residents have fled to neighbouring villages in search of safety.

Confirming the incident, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kutaho, Reverend Father Linus Matthew Bobai, said the armed assailants stormed the communities after issuing prior threats and ransom demands.

“Before the incident, they called one of my parishioners and demanded ₦10 million, threatening to kidnap him if he failed to comply,” Fr. Bobai disclosed. “They claimed our people are into irrigation farming and ginger cultivation, and that means money.”

According to the priest, despite warnings urging residents to remain vigilant, the bandits returned as promised and carried out a coordinated assault while he was away in Kaduna procuring textbooks for St. Joseph School.

He explained that 16 persons were abducted from Kutaho, including the catechist, his pregnant wife and their baby, while another 16 residents were taken from neighbouring Kugir, bringing the total number of kidnapped victims to 32.

Fr. Bobai revealed that in Kutaho, more than 20 persons were initially rounded up, but the attackers later released elderly residents and those with serious health conditions. In Kugir, the gunmen reportedly invaded a church outstation residence, abducting several occupants, including children. Some victims, however, managed to escape while being marched into the bush.

The village head narrowly escaped death during the attack.

“The Dakachi was almost killed. His head and arm were badly injured, and he had to be rushed to Kagarko for treatment,” the priest said.

On the security response, Fr. Bobai noted that soldiers stationed in a neighbouring community had earlier been alerted following the ransom threats. He added that complaints were lodged with relevant authorities, but residents were later informed that the area lacked regular security patrol coverage.

The cleric appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene, warning that the mass displacement has worsened the humanitarian situation.

“More than 90 per cent of our people slept outside the community. Only a few of us remained behind to keep vigil. Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” he lamented.

The latest attack underscores the persistent insecurity confronting rural communities in parts of Kaduna State, where repeated bandit incursions have forced residents into cycles of displacement, ransom payments and fear.

Families of the abducted victims have called for prayers and swift government action to secure the safe release of their loved ones and restore normalcy to the affected communities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement, as calls placed to the command’s spokesperson were not answered.

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