- A bandit attack in Kaduna led to the killing of a HEKAN pastor and the abduction of more than 20 villagers.
- HEKAN leadership condemned the incident, saying Christian communities have become frequent targets.
- The church revealed previous attacks, including another pastor killed in captivity.
- Security agencies have been urged to take action as families of the kidnapped continue to struggle with fear and trauma.
The quietness of Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area was shattered in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Residents woke to the sound of gunshots and panic as armed bandits invaded the village. By the time the attack was over, a HEKAN pastor, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, lay dead and more than 20 villagers were missing.
The United Church of Christ in Nigeria, known as HEKAN, described the incident as heartbreaking and senseless. The President of the Church, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, said the attack was another painful reminder of how exposed Christian communities have become in the state.
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“With a heavy heart, I announce the killing of our pastor and the abduction of several people from Farin Dutse,” Dr. Kiri said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the District Church Council leader, Rev. Dauda Gambo, the bandits stormed the area around dawn. Terrified residents ran into bushes and farmlands, hoping to hide until the gunfire stopped. Reverend Kambasiya was among those who fled.
When the shooting seemed to have ended, he stepped out of hiding, not knowing that the attackers were still close.
“He was shot from behind,” the statement read. “The bullet pierced through his chest. He died instantly.”
The pastor’s body has been deposited in a morgue while HEKAN works with his family on burial arrangements.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. The HEKAN President reminded Nigerians that on December 4, 2024, bandits abducted about 50 people in the same region, including another pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal. Despite prayers and negotiations, Reverend Lawal never returned, he died in captivity.
Again, on October 19, 2025, four worshippers from HEKAN Kakude Local Church were kidnapped and are still being held.
Dr. Kiri expressed deep frustration: “These attacks on our members in Kauru have become unbearable. Families are traumatized and living in fear.”
He appealed to security agencies to act immediately and rescue the abducted villagers.
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The church has notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Kaduna State chapter, and the Divisional Police Station in Kauru.
Dr. Kiri urged Nigerians to pray, not only for the victims but for the nation: “We need divine intervention. We cannot continue losing lives like this.”
For the people of Farin Dutse, the night ended, but their nightmare didn’t.
