By Deborah Nnamdi
The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), popularly known as HEKAN, has condemned the killing of one of its pastors, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and the abduction of more than 20 persons during a fresh bandit attack on Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, left the quiet community in panic as heavily armed assailants stormed the area, shooting sporadically and abducting several villagers, including worshippers from the HEKAN Church.
In a statement issued by the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, the church described the assault as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” lamenting the repeated targeting of Christian communities and clergy in the region.
“With a heavy heart, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to inform the world of a tragic incident that occurred in Farin Dutse, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, where bandits attacked our pastor and other persons in the area,” Dr. Kiri said.
Citing a field report from the Chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, Reverend Dauda Gambo, Kiri explained that the gunmen invaded the community at dawn, forcing residents to flee for safety. Reverend Kambasiya, who initially hid in a nearby farm, was reportedly shot dead after coming out of hiding, believing the attackers had left.
“The bullet pierced through his chest, and he died instantly,” the statement added.
Dr. Kiri noted that the clergyman’s remains had been deposited in a morgue while the church was consulting with his family on burial arrangements.
He recalled that the latest tragedy follows a series of similar attacks on HEKAN members in the area. In December 2024, about 50 persons, including another pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal, were abducted—Lawal later died in captivity. Likewise, on October 19, 2025, four members of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were kidnapped and remain in captivity.
“The continuous attacks on our members in Kauru have become worrisome. We call on security agencies and relevant authorities to go after these bandits and rescue those abducted. Families of the victims are passing through unbearable trauma,” Dr. Kiri stated.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the bereaved families and for divine intervention in the country’s worsening insecurity.
“HEKAN as a church requests your prayers for the family, the Church, and the community during this trying moment. We also pray that God will intervene in the affairs of our nation and bring an end to these incessant killings and kidnappings,” he added.
The church confirmed that it had officially notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in both Northern and Kaduna State chapters, as well as the Kauru Divisional Police Station and other relevant authorities, about the attack.
