Bandits Kill Three, Kidnap Many in Kaduna Church Attack

In a violent attack on Sunday morning, bandits stormed two churches in the Bakinpah-Maro community of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, killing three people and abducting several others. The attack, which took place around 10 a.m., targeted both an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and a Catholic Church during worship services.

Cafra Caino, the former chairman of Kajuru LGA, confirmed the tragic incident, stating that about 30 people were kidnapped, including Pastor Bernard Gajera from one of the churches. Caino expressed deep concern over the attack, saying, “The terrorists attacked the churches during service, killing three people and abducting many others. The community is in shock, and we urge the authorities to take immediate action to rescue the kidnapped victims.”

The bandits arrived in large numbers and terrorized worshippers, forcing many to flee in panic. One eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, described the scene as “horrific,” saying, “When the bandits arrived in large numbers, many worshippers fled the church. It was a horrendous sight. We were helpless as we watched the bandits wreak havoc.” The eyewitness called for the government to step up efforts to protect the community, adding, “We can only call on both the state and federal governments, despite their efforts, to continue to try harder for the safety of lives and property in the southern part of the state.”

The attack has left the entire Bakinpah-Maro community in fear, with residents demanding urgent security measures. A local resident said, “We urge the government to take decisive action to address the security challenges in our community. We cannot continue to live in fear of bandits and kidnappers.”

This attack is part of a worrying trend of increasing violence in the region. Just recently, the Maro community raised funds to build a security post for law enforcement agencies, following repeated assaults that had already displaced many farmers and disrupted daily life. The kidnapping of Pastor Gajera and many others has sparked fears that religious leaders and communities are being specifically targeted by these violent groups.

As of now, the police have yet to issue an official statement on the attack. However, the incident has added to growing concerns about the escalating insecurity in Kaduna State and the broader region.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, urged troops stationed across the country to strengthen their resolve in defending the nation. In a statement released by Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, Musa encouraged soldiers to “redouble their efforts in defending our motherland” and to “continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty, and integrity that are hallmarks of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The statement also praised the bravery of troops involved in Operation Fansan Yamma in Zamfara State, who recently eliminated a notorious bandit leader, Haliru Buzu, and others. Gen. Musa also acknowledged the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri for their efforts in rescuing thousands of people during a recent devastating flood in the area.