Armed bandits have abducted a catechist, his pregnant wife, and about 30 other residents in Kadarko community, located in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kadarko, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, confirmed the incident during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday. He said the attack has left the community in fear, with most residents fleeing to nearby villages for safety.
According to the priest, the gunmen stormed the village and carried out the mass abduction, leaving families in distress. Among those taken was the church’s catechist, a key lay leader who assists the priest in church activities, along with his pregnant wife.
Fr. Bobai described the situation in the community as tense and worrying. He said that after the attack, some soldiers from a neighbouring village arrived and moved around the area briefly before leaving.
“Sincerely, after the attack, some soldiers came from the neighbouring village, went around and after a while, we saw them coming back and that’s all,” he said.
He added that the people now feel helpless and exposed.
“We are handicapped. The community is under tension; over 98 per cent of people have gone to a nearby village. Those of us who slept in the village yesterday are not up to 40,” the priest said.
He explained that many residents who initially stayed back later decided to leave because of fear of another attack.
“This evening, many of them went away because of fear and all that. We are very tensed. Some of us are afraid but we cannot run away because we are pastors, and we encouraged a few others to stay behind and look after the community,” he added.
Kaduna State has faced serious security challenges in recent years. Several local government areas, especially in southern and central parts of the state, have experienced repeated attacks by armed bandits. These groups often raid villages at night, kill residents, and abduct others for ransom.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a common crime in many parts of northern Nigeria. Victims are usually taken to forest hideouts, where their families are contacted and asked to pay large sums of money for their release. In some cases, victims are held for weeks or months under harsh conditions.
Churches and religious leaders have also been targets in past attacks. There have been cases where priests and worshippers were kidnapped during services or from their homes. These incidents have raised concerns among religious communities and human rights groups.
Kadarko community, like many rural settlements in Kaduna, depends mainly on farming. Frequent attacks have disrupted farming activities, as many residents are afraid to go to their farms. This has affected livelihoods and increased hardship in the area.
Residents say the latest attack has created deep fear. With almost the entire population fleeing, the once-busy village now appears nearly deserted. Only a few people, mostly clergy and some volunteers, remain behind.
Security agencies have repeatedly said they are working to tackle banditry in Kaduna and other affected states. The Nigerian Army and other security forces have carried out operations in forest areas believed to serve as hideouts for criminal groups. However, communities continue to call for stronger and more permanent security presence.
Community leaders in southern Kaduna have often appealed to both the state and federal governments for improved protection. They argue that rural communities are especially vulnerable because they have limited security coverage and are located near forested areas.
The abduction of a pregnant woman has further heightened concern among residents. Many are worried about her health and safety, as conditions in captivity are usually harsh and unpredictable.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Kaduna State Government or the police regarding the number of abducted persons or steps being taken to secure their release. Families of the victims are said to be anxious and praying for their safe return.
Religious leaders across the state have called for prayers and calm, while urging authorities to act swiftly. They also appealed to the attackers to release the victims unharmed.
The attack on Kadarko is another reminder of the ongoing security crisis affecting many communities in northern Nigeria. While government forces continue to carry out operations, residents say more needs to be done to restore confidence and allow displaced villagers to return home.
For now, fear remains in Kadarko. The empty homes and silent streets reflect the heavy toll the attack has taken on the community. As families wait for news of their loved ones, the hope remains that the abducted catechist, his pregnant wife, and the other victims will regain their freedom soon.
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