KADUNA – A wave of terror has swept through the Aribi Ward of Kagarko Local Government Area, as armed bandits launched a brutal midnight assault on the Kutaho and Kugir communities. The raid, which struck around 2:00 a.m. on Monday, resulted in the abduction of a Catholic catechist, his heavily pregnant wife, their infant, and approximately 30 other residents.
According to Business Day, the attack has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, with over 90% of the population deserting their homes in a desperate bid for safety.
A Coordinated Assault Following Ransom Threats
The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, revealed that the tragedy was preceded by chilling threats. The bandits had reportedly been “scouting” the area, calling parishioners to demand ₦10 million under the pretext that the local ginger and irrigation farmers “have money.”
“They claimed our people are into farming, and that means money,” Fr. Bobai stated. While the priest was away in Kaduna town procuring school textbooks, the armed group bypassed local vigilance efforts to carry out the coordinated abduction.
Casualties and Narrow Escapes
The brutality of the raid extended beyond the kidnappings:
- The Abducted:Â 16 people were snatched from Kutaho and another 16 from Kugir. While the bandits released a few elderly residents with health challenges, the catechist and his pregnant wife remain in captivity.
- Village Head Attacked:Â The local Dakachi (village head) narrowly survived a gruesome machete attack. He sustained severe injuries to his head and arm and was rushed to Kagarko for emergency treatment.
- Humanitarian Fallout:Â Fr. Bobai warned that the situation is worsening, as the vast majority of his congregation is now sleeping in the bush or neighboring villages. “Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” he pleaded.
Security Gaps and Government Plea
Frustrations are mounting over the local security response. Despite residents informing soldiers in a neighboring community about the initial threats, they were reportedly told that the area lacked regular security patrols.
The priest has issued an urgent appeal to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to intervene before these rural communities are completely wiped off the map. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the raid.
