Residents of three villages in Kaduna State were thrown into mourning on Monday night after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits attacked their communities, killing four people and abducting a pastor along with 11 others.
The affected communities—Jantsauni, Mai Doki, and Maiyamma—are all located in the Yarkasuwa area of Kurama Chiefdom, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attackers reportedly invaded the villages around 10 p.m., shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to reports, the victims killed in the attack were all young men between the ages of 27 and 30. The bandits also kidnapped the resident pastor of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Rev. Istifanus Dunga, and 11 other people, including women and children.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Federated Kurama Association, Mr. Pius Agaji Kyauta, confirmed the incident, describing it as a devastating blow to the people of Kurama Chiefdom. He said the attackers operated freely for hours without any security intervention.
Kyauta appealed to both the Kaduna State Government and federal authorities to urgently deploy security forces to the area to prevent further attacks.
“The entire community is in deep pain and fear,” Kyauta said. “Our people no longer sleep peacefully. These attacks have become too frequent, and we need urgent help before more lives are lost.”
A resident of Jantsauni, who pleaded for anonymity, told journalists that his father and younger sister were among those kidnapped. He said the bandits came in large numbers, surrounding houses before breaking in.
“They came in their hundreds and surrounded the village. You dare not run because they will shoot you instantly. If you stay indoors, they will come in and take you away,” the resident said in a trembling voice.
He explained that the attack left the community shattered, with families crying through the night as they searched for missing relatives.
As of the time of filing this report, the kidnappers have not made any ransom demands. Local vigilante groups have reportedly launched a search for the victims, but residents say they feel helpless because the bandits are heavily armed.
Another resident said, “We are praying that those taken will return safely. The situation is unbearable. The people are traumatized, and we don’t know what the next night will bring.”
The Kaduna State Police Command had not yet issued an official statement on the incident as of Tuesday morning. However, sources in the area said military and police patrols had been increased following the attack.
Kaduna State, particularly its northern and southern parts, has suffered repeated attacks by armed groups over the past few years. These groups, often referred to as bandits, have been accused of carrying out killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property in many communities.
Lere Local Government Area, located in the northern part of the state, has seen a rise in violent attacks targeting farming villages and Christian communities. Farmers have also complained of being unable to go to their farms due to fear of abduction or death.
In 2023 and 2024, several similar incidents were recorded in nearby local government areas like Birnin Gwari, Giwa, and Zangon Kataf, where gunmen killed and kidnapped dozens of people. Civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger community policing, better intelligence gathering, and more government support for victims.
Kurama Chiefdom, one of the traditional areas in Lere Local Government, is predominantly an agrarian community known for farming and livestock rearing. The people have long complained of insecurity, especially at night, when bandits often raid homes and farms.
Community leaders say the government’s response has been slow and inadequate. “We have written letters and made several appeals to security agencies, but the attacks keep happening,” said one traditional leader who asked not to be named.
The latest attack, according to him, has left the chiefdom “ravaged beyond imagination.” He said churches, schools, and farms have been deserted as families move to safer towns.
The Federated Kurama Association has described the killings as “an evil that has befallen the Kurama nation,” calling for both security and spiritual intervention.
In a statement, Mr. Kyauta urged the Kaduna State Government to collaborate with community leaders and local vigilantes to track the attackers and rescue the abducted victims. He also called on faith leaders across the state to pray for peace in the region.
“Beyond security operations, our people need healing and hope. We are mourning, and we are crying to God for mercy,” Kyauta said.
Church members of ECWA have also expressed shock over the abduction of Rev. Dunga, describing him as a peaceful man dedicated to community service. Many have gathered to pray for his safe return.
At the time of reporting, government officials had yet to visit the affected communities. However, sources in the Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said an assessment team would be dispatched soon.
The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, when contacted, said investigations were ongoing and security operatives had been mobilized to the area.
