Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese Reports Killing of 9, Abduction of 25 Parish Members in Three Months

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Kaduna Catholic Archdiocese has raised concern over renewed attacks on communities under Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Kurmin Dangana District of Kagarko Local Government Area, alleging that nine people were killed and 25 abducted within the past three months.

In a statement issued over the weekend, Archdiocesan Chancellor Christian Okewu Emmanuel said the latest attack occurred on Thursday at the Kurmin Bongo outstation.

According to the statement, armed attackers invaded the community between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. during heavy rainfall. The church said five people were killed and 10 others abducted despite resistance from local vigilantes.The statement added that two abducted victims were later rescued.The archdiocese also referenced earlier attacks at Kasaru-B outstation on March 2 and Sabon Gari outstation on May 1.

It said one person was killed and eight abducted during the Kasaru-B incident, while two people sustained gunshot injuries and 10 others were abducted during the Sabon Gari attack. The church further alleged that some abducted victims were later killed in captivity. The archdiocese condemned the attacks and called on security agencies and government authorities to strengthen protection for rural communities.

It said the repeated incidents had displaced residents and created fear and uncertainty across affected areas. As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incidents.