In a harrowing attack that has once again highlighted the severe insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, armed bandits on Monday night stormed the Kutaho and Kugir communities of Aribi Ward in Kagarko Local Government Area, Kaduna State, abducting around 32 people, including a Catholic catechist, his heavily pregnant wife, and their baby.
The brutal raid occurred at about 2:00 a.m., when gunmen reportedly entered the villages after issuing earlier threats and ransom demands to residents. The attackers separated residents, releasing the elderly and those with serious health conditions, but forcibly took dozens of others.
According to the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kutaho, Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, more than 90 % of the villagers have fled their homes in fear, seeking refuge in neighboring communities. He described the situation as “terrifying,” urging both government authorities and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted and protect the vulnerable populations still in the area.
The bandits had earlier threatened a parishioner with kidnapping unless a ransom of ₦10 million was paid, raising deep concern among locals about their growing boldness and the lack of effective security patrols in the region.
This incident adds to a troubling pattern of attacks across Kaduna State and other parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to abduct villagers, clergy, and community leaders for ransom or leverage. Residents and church leaders have appealed for urgent intervention, prayers, and sustained security presence to halt the ongoing crisis.
As of this report, official statements from the Kaduna State Police Command regarding the attack and rescue efforts were not yet available.
