The United Church of Christ in Nigeria, UCCN, also known as HEKAN, has alleged that bandits killed one of one of its pastors, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and abducted over 20 persons.

According to the church, the incident happened during a fresh attack on the Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when heavily armed bandits invaded the quiet community, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.

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The attackers reportedly whisked away several villagers, including worshippers from the HEKAN Church.

In a statement by the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, the church described the attack as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” lamenting the continuous targeting of Christian communities and clergy in the area.

“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 stated.

Quoting a field report from the Chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, Rev. Dauda Gambo, he explained that the bandits invaded the community at dawn, firing indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.

“The bandits invaded the community and started shooting sporadically. Reverend Kambasiya and a few others took refuge in a nearby farm. Thinking the gunmen had left, he came out of hiding, only to be shot in the back. The bullet pierced through his chest, and he died instantly,” the statement said.

Dr. Kiri noted that the late clergyman’s remains had been deposited in a morgue, while the church was consulting with his family on burial arrangements.

The HEKAN President recalled that this was not the first time the church had been attacked in the area. On December 4, 2024, bandits abducted about 50 persons, including a HEKAN pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal, who later died in captivity.