Bandits Kill HEKAN Cleric, Abduct 20 Worshippers In Kaduna

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned in strong terms the killing of one of its clergymen, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and the abduction of over 20 persons by bandits in Farin Dutse community of Kauru local government area of Kaduna State.

In a statement signed by the President of the Church, Rev. Dr. Amos Kiri, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Thursday, the church described the attack as “callous, inhumane and a deliberate attempt to frustrate the church and its members.”

He said that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left residents of the agrarian community in panic as heavily armed bandits invaded the area, shooting sporadically before whisking away several victims, among them members of the HEKAN Church.

According to Rev. Kiri, the slain cleric, Rev. Yahaya Kambasiya, was hiding in a nearby farm during the attack but was later shot dead when he attempted to return to the community, believing the gunmen had left.

“Reverend Kambasiya and a few others had to hide in a farm until the gunshots subsided. Unfortunately, when he came out thinking the bandits had gone, he was shot from behind and died instantly,” the statement read.

The church said the body of the deceased cleric has been deposited at a morgue while consultations were ongoing with his family members for burial arrangements.

Rev. Kiri further disclosed that HEKAN members in Kauru LGA of the State have suffered repeated attacks by armed bandits and cattle rustlers in recent months.

He recalled that four other members of HEKAN Church in Kakude were kidnapped on October 19, 2025, and were still being held captive.

The HEKAN President called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those still in captivity and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Families of the kidnap victims are going through trauma and uncertainty. We call on the security authorities to go after the bandits and ensure the safe release of our members,” he appealed.

He also urged Christians across the country to pray for the affected families and the church as it mourns the slain clergyman.

“HEKAN as a church requests your prayers for the family, the church, and the entire community during this trying moment,” he said, while calling on God to intervene in Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

“We have officially notified the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern States and Kaduna chapters, as well as the Divisional Police Station in Kauru,” he added.

Meanwhile, all efforts to contact the Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan, for comments on the incident proved abortive as calls and messages placed to his phone were not answered as of press time.