Gunmen invade Chikun community, residents flee homes
Terror returned to Kaduna State over the weekend as suspected bandits killed four people and abducted an Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) pastor along with 11 others during a violent attack on Buda community in Chikun Local Government Area.
The armed men, numbering about 30, reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, November 10, shooting sporadically and setting off panic among residents. Witnesses said the attackers operated for over two hours without resistance before security operatives arrived at the scene.
According to locals, the victims included women and children, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. The ECWA pastor, whose name was given as Reverend Joshua Bako, was said to have been taken away alongside his wife and 10 other villagers.
Survivors recount terrifying night raid
Residents who escaped the attack described the incident as one of the deadliest in recent times. A community leader, who preferred anonymity for security reasons, said the bandits arrived on motorcycles and immediately opened fire.
“They came around midnight and surrounded the entire village. We heard gunshots everywhere as people ran into the bushes for safety. By the time they left, four people had been killed, and several others were missing,” he said.
Another resident explained that the pastor’s house was specifically targeted. “They went straight to Reverend Bako’s house, broke in, and took him and his wife away. We believe they came for him deliberately because they also looted some houses before escaping,” the source added.
Police confirm attack, begin investigation
Confirming the incident, the Kaduna State Police Command said a combined team of security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore calm and rescue the abducted victims.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Mansir Hassan, said the command was working closely with local vigilante groups to track the movement of the bandits and ensure the safe return of those kidnapped.
He stated: “Yes, we are aware of the attack in Chikun Local Government. Four persons were confirmed dead, and 12 others were abducted, including a clergyman. Efforts are ongoing to rescue them and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
ASP Hassan further urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could assist in ongoing operations.
CAN, community leaders condemn renewed attacks
Reacting to the incident, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna State Chapter, expressed deep concern over the continuous targeting of clerics and worship centres in the state.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Rev. John Hayab, CAN described the attack as “one too many,” urging the government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity across rural communities.
“It is heartbreaking that innocent citizens, including pastors, are being abducted almost every week in Kaduna. We appeal to the government and security agencies to act swiftly and rescue the victims,” the statement read.
Community leaders also called for stronger security presence in Chikun and neighbouring areas, noting that several villages had become deserted due to recurring attacks.
Growing insecurity in Kaduna raises fresh concerns
The latest incident adds to the growing number of violent attacks in Kaduna, a state that has become one of the epicentres of banditry in northern Nigeria.
Data from the Nigeria Security Tracker shows that dozens of people have been killed or kidnapped in Kaduna within the last three months alone, particularly in Chikun, Birnin Gwari, and Kajuru Local Government Areas.
Analysts warn that without coordinated action, rural banditry could worsen food insecurity and displace thousands more residents in affected communities.
Meanwhile, local vigilantes and youth groups have pledged to work with security agencies to prevent further attacks, even as residents continue to live in fear of another invasion.
For now, the people of Buda community are left mourning their dead and praying for the safe return of their loved ones — a grim reminder of the deepening security crisis gripping parts of Nigeria’s northwest.
