Kaduna Pastors, Residents Suffer Amid Rising Bandit Attacks in Kajuru LGA

Rev. Enoch Kaura, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru local government area, Kaduna State, has raised alarms over a surge of bandit attacks in the region, involving abductions, killings, and ransom demands.

Kaura disclosed that many pastors have been killed in the attacks, listing victims such as Pastor Michel Shadari, Pastor Adalci Usman, Pastor Benard, Rev. Aliburah, Rev. Narimi, Rev. Thomas Gaku, and Rev. Anthony Lamba. He also revealed that three pastors’ wives were brutally killed.

“Over a thousand people have fallen victim to these violent attacks. In Doon Noma alone, 86 people were killed in a single incident, followed by another 36 fatalities. Hundreds have been kidnapped. Churches have also been targeted, including recent attacks in Ugakala, Maro Ward, resulting in one death and several injuries,” Kaura said.

The CAN chairman noted that communities such as Karamai, Ungwan Gajere, Gidan Duna, and Agwala Makaranta have been largely abandoned due to insecurity. He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Uba Sani, which provided temporary relief and allowed some residents to return to their farms, but warned that these gains are now under threat, preventing people from harvesting crops.

Kaura apologized to the Christian community regarding certain statements wrongly attributed to him and emphasized that while he cannot dispute comments made by the CAN President, security challenges remain severe.

“I appeal to the Governor to expedite security measures, as many remain captive. Currently, about 40 people are being held by kidnappers in various locations, including Kufana, Kutura Station, Afogo, Doka Avong, and Idehjeh Kallah,” he added.