Thursday, October 30, 2025 | Kaduna, Nigeria | The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned the killing of one of its pastors, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and the abduction of more than 20 persons during a renewed attack on Farin Dutse, a community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when heavily armed bandits stormed the community, shooting indiscriminately and causing widespread panic among residents. Several villagers, including members of the HEKAN Church, were taken captive during the assault.
Pastor Killed After Leaving Hiding
In a statement released by the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr Amos Kiri, the church described the attack as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” expressing deep sorrow over the continuous targeting of Christian communities and clergy in the region.
“With a heavy heart, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to inform the world of a tragic incident that occurred in Farin Dutse, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, where bandits attacked our pastor and other persons in the area,” Dr Kiri stated.
Citing a report from the Chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, Reverend Dauda Gambo, Dr Kiri explained that the gunmen invaded the community at dawn and opened fire on fleeing residents.
“The bandits invaded the community and started shooting sporadically. Reverend Kambasiya and a few others took refuge in a nearby farm. Thinking the gunmen had left, he came out of hiding, only to be shot in the back. The bullet pierced through his chest, and he died instantly,” the statement read.
The late clergyman’s body has since been deposited in a morgue, and the church said it is consulting with his family to finalise burial arrangements.
Pattern of Repeated Attacks
Dr Kiri recalled that this was not the first time HEKAN Church members had been attacked in the Kauru area.
On December 4, 2024, about 50 persons, including another HEKAN pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal, were abducted by bandits. Reverend Lawal later died in captivity.
More recently, on October 19, 2025, four members of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were also kidnapped and remain in the hands of their captors.
“The continuous attacks on our members in Kauru have become worrisome. We call on security agencies and relevant authorities to go after these bandits and rescue those abducted. Families of the victims are passing through unbearable trauma,” Dr Kiri appealed.
The HEKAN President urged Nigerians to pray for the bereaved families and those still in captivity, calling for divine intervention in Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
“HEKAN as a church requests your prayers for the family, the Church, and the community during this trying moment. We also pray that God will intervene in the affairs of our nation and bring an end to these incessant killings and kidnappings,” he said.
The church disclosed that it has officially notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in both Kaduna State and the Northern States, as well as the Divisional Police Station in Kauru and other relevant security agencies.
As of press time, security officials had not yet issued a formal statement regarding the latest attack.
Background
Kaduna State has witnessed persistent banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks in recent years, particularly in rural communities across its southern and central regions. Despite ongoing military operations, residents say the gunmen continue to operate with impunity, leaving a trail of deaths, abductions, and displacement.
The killing of Reverend Kambasiya adds to a growing list of religious leaders and community members who have fallen victim to the state’s unending security challenges.
