In Kaduna State, armed bandits have kidnapped numerous individuals, including a bride-to-be, a Catholic catechist, and his heavily pregnant spouse, among approximately 29 others. This incident unfolded in the Kagarko Local Government Area.
The attack, described as deadly, occurred at midnight on February 9, 2026, targeting the Kutaho and Kugir communities within Aribi Ward of Kagarko.
Peace Williams Lami, the bride-to-be, was scheduled to marry on April 6, 2026.
Linus Matthew Bobai, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kutaho, confirmed the abduction to Business Day, noting that fear had taken hold of the area, causing over 90% of the residents to flee to neighboring villages for safety.
Bobai reported that the attack commenced around 2 a.m., as armed bandits invaded the communities, following previous threats and ransom requests issued to the local populace.
“Prior to the incident, they contacted one of my parishioners demanding a ransom of N10 million, threatening to kidnap him if he failed to comply,” said Fr. Bobai.
He further explained, “They asserted that our community is involved in irrigation farming and growing ginger, implying it is a lucrative target.”
Despite warnings urging vigilance among residents, the bandits executed their threat and launched a severe attack while Fr. Bobai was away purchasing textbooks for St. Joseph School in Kaduna.
The cleric stated that a total of 32 individuals were abducted, including 16 from Kutaho—comprising a Catholic catechist, his pregnant wife, and their infant—and another 16 from Kugir. Initially, the assailants had rounded up more than 20 individuals in Kutaho before letting go of the elderly and those with health issues.
In Kugir, bandits reportedly invaded a church outstation, kidnapping occupants, including children, although some managed to escape while being taken away.
Additionally, Bobai revealed that the village leader narrowly avoided death after being attacked with a machete.
“The village head was almost killed; his head and arm sustained serious injuries and he was rushed to Kagarko for emergency care,” he explained.
Regarding security measures, the priest mentioned that soldiers stationed in a nearby community were alerted before the attack due to the initial threats.
He expressed frustration, stating that despite complaints, residents were informed that routine security patrols were absent in their area.
The cleric appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security forces for urgent action, stating that the large-scale displacement of residents has significantly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
“More than 90% of our community slept outside last night, with only a few remaining to keep watch. We cannot continue living in constant flight,” he remarked.
Families of those kidnapped have called for prayers and a prompt intervention from the government to ensure the safety of their loved ones and restore tranquility in the affected areas.
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