Bandits Abduct Parish Catechist, Pregnant Wife, and Dozens of Villagers During Midnight Raid in Kagarko Communities of Kaduna State Nigeria

Life in parts of southern Kaduna has once again been thrown into chaos after armed bandits stormed two rural communities in the dead of night, leaving families terrified, displaced, and uncertain about what comes next.

This time, the victims include a parish catechist of St. Joseph Catholic Church, his pregnant wife, and dozens of other residents who were taken during the raid.

The attack has deepened anxiety in an area that has already endured years of repeated violence and kidnappings.

Catechist and Pregnant Wife Among Those Kidnapped

The parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Kaduna Archdiocese, Father Linus Matthew Bobai, confirmed that the bandits abducted the parish catechist, his expectant wife, and more than 30 others.

Speaking in an interview, the priest explained that the kidnapping happened during a coordinated assault on Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi ward, Kagarko Local Government Area.

According to him, the incident unfolded around midnight, catching residents off guard despite earlier warnings.

Communities Nearly Emptied as Residents Run for Safety

In the aftermath, fear spread quickly through the villages.

Father Bobai revealed that almost everyone has now fled, leaving the communities practically deserted.

He estimated that over 98% of the population has escaped to nearby areas, with only a handful of people remaining behind.

The priest described the atmosphere as tense and helpless, saying those who stayed are struggling to cope with the danger hanging over them.

Priest Says Bandits Had Issued Threats Before Returning

Reports suggest this was not a random attack.

The bandits had reportedly threatened residents earlier and even demanded ransom payments.

Father Bobai said community members were urged to remain alert, but the armed men returned exactly as they promised, striking in the early hours of Feb. 9.

He also shared that he was not in the village at the time, as he had traveled to Kaduna city to buy textbooks for the parish school.

Kaduna Residents Demand Stronger Security Presence

Across parts of Kaduna state, communities have repeatedly called for more consistent security patrols and a sustained government presence to deter attackers.

Many rural villages feel abandoned, especially as bandits continue to raid homes, abduct residents, and force people off their land.

For farming communities, displacement often means not only fear but also hunger and poverty, since fleeing disrupts livelihoods.

A Wider Pattern of Church and Community Abductions

The Kagarko attack is part of a much broader crisis in Kaduna.

Earlier this year, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a UK-based human rights organization, urged Nigerian authorities to secure the release of 167 worshippers reportedly abducted during attacks on three churches in Kajuru Local Government Area.

CSW also highlighted how the Adara people in Kajuru have faced relentless violence since the 2018 abduction and killing of their traditional ruler, even after ransom was paid.

Ransom Payments Driving Rural Families Into Deeper Hardship

CSW officials have warned that constant kidnappings are impoverishing communities.

In one recent case, more than 20 abducted villagers were freed only after about 7 million Naira was paid.

In another incident, a church leader, Rev. Philip Adamu, was among those taken from Ungwan Danladi village by attackers reportedly speaking Fulfude, the Fulani language.

These repeated ransom demands, combined with displacement, are pushing already vulnerable rural families deeper into economic ruin.

International Attention on Nigeria’s Insecurity

The ongoing violence, particularly against Christian and farming communities, has drawn international concern.

Nigeria has been designated a “country of particular concern” due to persistent attacks, kidnappings, and the government’s struggle to protect vulnerable populations.

For many Nigerians living in rural areas, the crisis is no longer occasional — it has become part of daily life.

What’s next?

The immediate priority will be efforts to rescue the kidnapped catechist, his pregnant wife, and the other abducted residents.

At the same time, pressure will likely grow on Kaduna state authorities and federal security agencies to increase patrols, prevent further raids, and restore confidence so displaced villagers can safely return home.

Without stronger protection, many fear these communities could remain emptied, with more attacks looming.

Summary

Bandits attacked Kutaho and Kugir communities in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna state on Feb. 9, abducting a parish catechist, his pregnant wife, and over 30 others.

The raid triggered mass displacement, leaving villages nearly deserted as residents fled in fear.

The incident reflects a broader pattern of kidnappings and church-related abductions in Kaduna, with human rights groups warning that ransom payments and forced displacement are driving rural communities into deeper poverty.