Bandits k!ll cleric and abduct 20 Worshippers In Kaduna

Suspected bandits have killed a pastor with the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, Rev Yahaya Kambasiya, and abducted over 20 persons during an attack in Farin Dutse community of Kauru local government area of Kaduna State.

A statement signed by the President of the Church, Rev. Dr. Amos Kiri, said the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left residents of the agrarian community in panic as heavily armed bandits invaded the area, shooting sporadically before whisking away several victims, among them members of the HEKAN Church.

According to Rev. Kiri, the slain cleric, Rev. Yahaya Kambasiya, was hiding in a nearby farm during the attack but was later shot dead when he attempted to return to the community, believing the gunmen had left.

“Reverend Kambasiya and a few others had to hide in a farm until the gunshots subsided. Unfortunately, when he came out thinking the bandits had gone, he was shot from behind and died instantly,” the statement read.

The church said the body of the deceased cleric has been deposited at a morgue while consultations were ongoing with his family members for burial arrangements.