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Tag: kaduna state news

  • Bandits Abduct Worshippers in Kaduna Churches

    Bandits Abduct Worshippers in Kaduna Churches

    Bandits have abducted more than 160 worshippers during coordinated attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, witnesses said on Sunday.

    The attackers reportedly struck during church services, targeting the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and the Cherubim and Seraphim churches. Sources said nine vulnerable victims later managed to return home, while scores of others remain in captivity.

    Confirming the incident, the Northern Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, described the attack as “sad,” noting that about 172 worshippers were initially abducted, with nine escaping and 163 still held by the attackers.

    He said the church was working with security agencies and the government to secure the victims’ release, expressing confidence in ongoing efforts to restore peace in the state. As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and the police had yet to issue official statements on the incident.

  • FG Not Paying Bandits, ONSA Tells El-Rufai

    FG Not Paying Bandits, ONSA Tells El-Rufai

    The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has denied allegations by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that the federal government pays or offers incentives to bandits.

    In a statement issued on Monday by Zakari Mijinyawa, ONSA described El-Rufai’s remarks as baseless, insisting that no arm of government has ever engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals.

    “On the contrary, we have always cautioned Nigerians against paying ransom. El-Rufai’s claims are false and go against the verifiable facts on the ground,” the statement read.

    The office explained that the government’s counter-banditry strategy has relied on a dual approach of sustained military operations and community engagement, noting that this has improved security in parts of Kaduna once plagued by attacks, including Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa.

    It highlighted recent successes, including the elimination of several notorious bandits such as Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow Janburos, Buhari, and Boka, as well as the capture of Ansaru leaders with bases in Kaduna.

    “These achievements came at a great cost, with some of our brave officers paying the ultimate price. For a former governor like El-Rufai to dismiss these sacrifices on national television is both unfair and deeply disrespectful to the memories of our security personnel,” ONSA said.

    The office urged El-Rufai and other political figures to avoid politicising national security issues, stressing that the fight against banditry requires collective effort rather than partisan rhetoric.

    El-Rufai had alleged on Sunday that the federal government was paying bandits to prevent further killings.

  • Kaduna Attack: Seven Killed, Eight Injured in Kauru LGA

    Kaduna Attack: Seven Killed, Eight Injured in Kauru LGA

    Tragedy struck late Sunday night in Angwan Rimi community, Kamaru ward of Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, as suspected armed herders carried out a deadly attack that left at least seven people dead, including children, and eight others critically injured.

    According to residents who spoke with Zagazola Makama, the assailants invaded the village under the cover of darkness, firing sporadically and setting off panic. The assault left behind a trail of grief, with victims ranging from infants to young teenagers.

    The deceased were identified as Jacob Zaka (12), Felicia Francis (30), Magret Mathias (5), Veronica Paul (25), Delight Paul (1), Confidence Yakubu (15), and Sati Markus (9).

    Those injured include Mathew Sunday (14), Jethro Istafanus (7), Jackson Istafanus (5), Emmanuel Morris (14), Agatha Sylvester (9), Joy Markus (9), Devine Paul (6 months), and Mary Ishaya (12). They are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities, where doctors say some remain in critical condition.

    Residents of Angwan Rimi condemned the killings, describing the attack as “wicked and inhuman.” Community leaders and the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Kamaru Branch, have called on both the state and federal governments to act decisively to halt the escalating violence.

    “We sympathize with the families that lost their loved ones and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. We call on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kauru Local Government to intervene to protect lives and property,” the association said in a statement.

    The group also urged villagers to remain calm during the mourning period, assuring them that security agencies had been alerted.

    This latest violence comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Kaduna State. Analysts had earlier warned of renewed attacks after the assassination of Musa Kachallah, a repentant bandit leader who had renounced violence but was killed on August 16. His death is believed to have sparked retaliatory raids by rival groups unhappy with the state’s controversial amnesty program.

    So far, the Kaduna State Government has not issued an official response. Security experts have called for heightened surveillance in vulnerable areas such as Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi (along the Zaria–Kano highway), and Kajuru, which have been repeatedly targeted in recent months.

    Meanwhile, families in Angwan Rimi are preparing mass burials for the victims, while survivors and displaced residents continue to grapple with fear of further attacks.

  • Bandits Kill One, Abduct Another in Kaduna’s Hunkuyi

    Bandits Kill One, Abduct Another in Kaduna’s Hunkuyi

    Suspected armed bandits late Monday night invaded Hunkuyi town, the headquarters of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing one person and abducting another.

    Residents said the attackers stormed the community around midnight, shooting sporadically into the air to scare people before carrying out their operation.

    During the assault, a local resident was reportedly gunned down, while another victim was whisked away into the nearby forest by the assailants.

    The attack threw the town into panic, forcing residents to remain indoors throughout the night.

    In response, traditional rulers and community leaders in Hunkuyi condemned the incident and appealed to security operatives to intensify patrols in the area. They urged government authorities to take urgent steps to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities across Kaduna State.