Insecurity: Terrorists Abduct Catholic Catechist, Several Others in Fresh Kaduna Attack

Residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, were thrown into panic after armed terrorists reportedly abducted 32 people, including a Catholic catechist, his pregnant wife, and their baby.

The parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kutaho, Linus Matthew Bobai, confirmed the incident to journalists, adding that most residents had fled to neighbouring villages.

“Before the attack, they called one of my parishioners and demanded ₦10 million, threatening to kidnap him if he failed to comply,” Bobai said.

“They claimed our people are involved in irrigation farming and ginger cultivation, which they believe makes them wealthy.”

According to the cleric, 16 persons were abducted from Kutaho, including the catechist and his family, while another 16 were taken from Kugir, bringing the total number of victims to 32.

“More than 90% of our people slept outside the community. Only a few of us remained to keep vigil. Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” he added.

Bobai also disclosed that the attackers returned as threatened, carrying out a coordinated raid while he was away in Kaduna procuring textbooks for St. Joseph School.

“The Dakachi was almost killed. His head and arm were badly injured, and he had to be rushed to Kagarko for treatment,” Bobai said.

Kaduna Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan did not respond to requests for comment on the latest abduction.

The attack comes days after armed terrorists kidnapped seven people in Chikun and several others in Kajuru LGAs, prompting large-scale protests by residents over the rising wave of abductions in the state.