Catholic Church Kicks As Terrorists Kill 9, Abduct 25 In Kaduna

The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna has raised the alarm over renewed terrorist attacks on communities under the pastoral care of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Kurmin Dangana District in Kagarko local government area of the state where no fewer than nine persons have been killed and 25 others abducted in separate attacks within the last three months.

The church disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by the Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel.

According to the statement, the latest attack occurred on Thursday at the Kurmin Bongo outstation where terrorists invaded between 10pm and 1am during a heavy rainfall.

The church said despite efforts by vigilante groups to repel the attackers, five persons were killed while 10 others were abducted during the invasion.

It added that two of those abducted were later rescued through the efforts of the vigilantes.

The statement further revealed that earlier attacks had taken place at Kasaru-B outstation on March 2 and Sabon Gari outstation on May 1.

“During the Kasaru-B attack, one person was shot dead while another sustained multiple gunshot injuries. Eight persons, including the Mai Wa’azi, were abducted by the terrorists. Although some of the victims later regained freedom, two abductees were killed in captivity,” it said.

It added that the attack on Sabon Gari occurred barely two weeks after the release of victims abducted from Kasaru-B.

“Two persons sustained gunshot injuries during the invasion while 10 others were abducted. One of the victims was later killed in captivity,” it added.

The archdiocese condemned the incessant attacks and called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts towards protecting lives and property in vulnerable rural communities.

“The repeated attacks have displaced affected persons and thrown the communities into untold sorrow, fear and uncertainty,” it said.

The church lamented the worsening insecurity in the area, saying residents now live in constant fear following repeated incidents of killings, abductions and destruction of livelihoods.

The latest attacks have again underscored growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, particularly in rural communities where residents continue to suffer violent attacks by armed groups despite repeated calls for stronger security intervention.

At the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command was yet to issue an official statement on the incident.