Gunmen kill pastor, abduct 20 in Kaduna community raid

Gunmen kill pastor, abduct 20 in Kaduna community raid

Tragedy struck Farin Dutse in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State as gunmen reportedly killed a pastor and abducted over 20 residents in a violent attack on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

The assailants, believed to be armed bandits and cattle rustlers, stormed the community in the early hours of the morning, targeting members of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN). Among those kidnapped were several clerics and congregants.

Rev. Yahaya Kambasya, a pastor with the church, was fatally shot during the incident. According to Amos Kiri, National President of UCCN, many residents had fled into nearby farms to escape the gunfire. Kambasya, thinking the attackers had left, emerged from hiding and was shot in the chest when spotted by the gunmen.

READ ALSO:

• Lawmaker sues Nigerian military over alleged coup plot
• Nnamdi Kanu files fresh motion, seeks dismissal of charges (photos)
• BREAKING: NAF redeploys 27 Air Vice Marshals in major command reshuffle

“According to a report from one of our pastors in the area, Rev. Dauda Gambo, chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, heavily armed bandits attacked Farin Dutse and unleashed terror on innocent residents,” Kiri said.

He confirmed that the attack resulted in the death of Rev. Kambasya and the abduction of more than 20 individuals, including members of the HEKAN denomination.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the security situation in rural communities across Kaduna State, with religious leaders and residents calling for urgent government intervention to protect vulnerable populations.

Gunmen kill pastor, abduct 20 in Kaduna community raid