A fresh wave of violence has struck Kaduna State, as suspected bandits attacked the Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area, killing a pastor of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, and abducting more than 20 worshippers.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when heavily armed assailants stormed the quiet community, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes. The gunmen reportedly took several villagers hostage, including members of the HEKAN congregation who had gathered for worship.

In a statement issued by the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, the church condemned the attack as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” describing it as another painful example of the ongoing persecution of Christian communities in the region.

“With deep sorrow, I wish to inform the world of the brutal killing of our pastor, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and the abduction of several others in Farin Dutse,” Reverend Kiri stated.

Citing a field report from the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council Chairman, Reverend Dauda Gambo, Dr. Kiri explained that the assailants arrived at dawn and began shooting indiscriminately.
“Reverend Kambasiya and others sought refuge on a nearby farm. Believing the attackers had left, he stepped out of hiding but was tragically shot in the back. The bullet went through his chest, and he died on the spot,” the report read.

Dr. Kiri said the clergyman’s body had been deposited in a mortuary, while the church was in contact with his family regarding burial arrangements.

He lamented that the attack was not an isolated incident, recalling previous assaults on HEKAN members in the area. On December 4, 2024, bandits abducted about 50 persons, including another HEKAN pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal, who later died in captivity. Similarly, on October 19, 2025, four members of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were kidnapped and remain in captivity.

“The recurring attacks on our members in Kauru are deeply distressing. We call on security agencies to act decisively to rescue those abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement said. “Families of the victims are going through unbearable trauma.”

Reverend Kiri urged Nigerians to remember the bereaved and the abducted in their prayers, calling for divine intervention in Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
“HEKAN requests prayers for the victims’ families, the church, and the entire community during this painful period. We ask God to intervene and bring an end to these endless killings and kidnappings,” he added.

The church said it has officially notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in both the Northern and Kaduna State chapters, as well as the Divisional Police Station in Kauru and other relevant authorities.