Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have fled their homes following a midnight bandit attack that left a Catholic catechist, his heavily pregnant wife, and about 30 others abducted.
The attack, which occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday, has forced over 90 per cent of residents to seek refuge in neighbouring villages.
Confirming the incident, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kutaho, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, said the communities had earlier received threats and ransom demands before the assault.
“Before the incident, they called one of my parishioners and demanded ₦10 million, threatening to kidnap him if he failed to comply,” Fr. Bobai said. “They claimed our people are into irrigation farming and ginger cultivation, and that means money.”
According to the priest, 16 persons were abducted from Kutaho, including the catechist, his pregnant wife, and their baby. Another 16 were taken from neighbouring Kugir, bringing the total number of abducted victims to 32.
He said the gunmen initially rounded up more than 20 residents in Kutaho but later released the elderly and those with serious health conditions.
In Kugir, the attackers reportedly stormed a church outstation residence and abducted several occupants, including children. Some victims, however, managed to escape while being led away.
The village head (Dakachi) narrowly escaped death after he was attacked with a machete.
“The Dakachi was almost killed. His head and arm were badly injured, and he had to be rushed to Kagarko for treatment,” Fr. Bobai said.
Fr. Bobai revealed that soldiers in a nearby community had been informed after the initial threats, but residents were later told the area lacked regular patrols.
“More than 90 per cent of our people slept outside the community. Only a few of us remained behind to keep vigil. Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” he lamented.
He appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently deploy sustained security presence to prevent further attacks and enable displaced residents to return home.
Families of the abducted victims have called for prayers and swift government intervention to secure their safe release.
As of press time, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
