A wave of grief has swept through communities in Kaduna State following the killing of a Catholic catechist and five other abducted residents after spending over four months in captivity.
The victims were among 32 people kidnapped during a midnight attack on Kutaho and Kugir communities in Kagarko Local Government Area on February 9, 2026.
Armed bandits stormed the villages, firing sporadically before forcing residents into the forest.
Despite prolonged ransom negotiations and significant sacrifices by community members, six of the captives were eventually killed.
Residents had reportedly sold personal belongings and farm produce to meet the kidnappers’ demands, which initially stood at ₦30 million and four motorcycles, before increasing by an additional ₦15 million.
Sources within the community identified the deceased as Friday Agama, Kunama Dogo, Monday Tanko, Lami Williams, an individual known as Pawpaw’s brother, and the Catholic catechist, who was said to have endured severe torture before his death.
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The tragic development has plunged the agrarian communities into mourning and heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in Southern Kaduna.
Families and religious leaders had repeatedly appealed to authorities for urgent intervention throughout the victims’ captivity.
Prior to the attack, the bandits reportedly issued threats, demanding ₦10 million from a resident and warning of an impending invasion if their demands were not met. They allegedly justified their demands by pointing to the community’s thriving agricultural activities.
While women and children abducted during the incident were released earlier some on Easter Sunday the loss of six victims has left a deep scar.
Notably, the catechist’s wife, who was pregnant at the time of her abduction, was among those freed and later delivered safely.
Some of the survivors are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries and trauma sustained during their time in captivity, while others have been reunited with their families.
Residents have renewed calls on the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, and federal authorities to urgently strengthen security in vulnerable rural areas, intensify rescue operations, and ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
As of the time of this report, the Kaduna State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
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