Bandits Slay Pastor, Abduct 20 Worshippers in Kaduna Community

Aye the Monarch

31 Oct, 2025

Kaduna State, Nigeria — October 18,
Tragedy struck in Gidan Bako, a community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, when suspected bandits attacked a church during Sunday worship, killing the resident pastor and abducting about 20 congregants.

According to Vanguard News , the heavily armed gunmen stormed the church premises during a Sunday service at about 9:30 a.m., opening fire sporadically and sending worshippers running for cover.

Eyewitnesses told TheCable that the assailants shot and killed Pastor Bitrus Yakubu, who attempted to protect his members from being taken away. The attackers then whisked away at least 20 worshippers, mostly women and youths, into the nearby forest.

🚨 Police and Security Response

The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that tactical teams have been deployed in collaboration with local vigilante groups and military personnel to track down the abductors and rescue the victims.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, said in a statement that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the kidnapped victims and restore peace in the area.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the attack, calling it “a desecration of the sacred space of worship and a brutal assault on the Christian community.” CAN demanded urgent security reinforcement across churches in rural Kaduna.

⚖ Background: Rising Wave of Rural Attacks

The attack adds to a string of violent incursions across southern Kaduna, where bandits have repeatedly targeted farming communities and churches.
In the past three months alone, more than 100 persons have been killed or kidnapped in similar raids across Kajuru, Kachia, and Kaura LGAs.

Security experts blame the surge on inadequate intelligence coordination and the porous forest borders linking Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau States.

💬 Community Reaction

Residents of Kauru expressed outrage, lamenting the government’s perceived failure to protect rural citizens.
A youth leader, Isa James, told Daily Trust that “we no longer sleep at night — every weekend, there’s a new attack, and no one is safe anymore.”

The Kaduna State Government has urged citizens to remain calm, assuring that joint military operations are ongoing to flush out the attackers.

🕊 In Memory

Pastor Bitrus Yakubu is remembered as a devoted cleric who served his congregation for over 15 years. His death has sparked widespread mourning and renewed calls for urgent security reforms in Nigeria’s northern states.

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