Sporadic Shooting As Terrorists Break Into Church, Kill Pastor, Kidnap 20 Worshippers

The United Church of Christ in Nigeria, commonly referred to as HEKAN, has sounded the alarm concerning the brutal murder of one of its ministers, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, alongside the abduction of over 20 individuals during a recent assault on the serene Farin Dutse community nestled in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

 

This heart-wrenching event transpired in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when a gang of heavily armed marauders descended upon the tranquil community, unleashing random gunfire and inciting terror among the inhabitants. The assailants reportedly spirited away numerous villagers, including worshippers affiliated with the HEKAN Church.

 

In a communiqué issued by the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, the church condemned the attack as “atrocious, barbaric, and malicious,” voicing deep concerns over the relentless targeting of Christian congregations and clergy in the region.

 

“With a profound sense of sorrow, on behalf of HEKAN Headquarters, I wish to announce a grievous incident that transpired in Farin Dutse, Kauru LGA of Kaduna State, where marauders assaulted our pastor and other innocent souls,” stated Dr. Kiri.

 

Citing a report from the Chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, Rev. Dauda Gambo, he elaborated that the marauders stormed the community at dawn, unleashing gunfire indiscriminately and compelling residents to seek refuge in surrounding foliage. “The assailants invaded the locality, commencing their barrage of shots. Reverend Kambasiya and a few others sought refuge in a nearby field. Upon believing the gunmen had departed, he emerged from his hiding spot, only to be struck in the back. The bullet penetrated his chest, resulting in his instantaneous demise,” noted the statement.

 

Dr. Kiri confirmed that the fallen clergyman’s body has been placed in a morgue, while the church engages with his family regarding funeral arrangements.

 

The HEKAN President reflected on the fact that this is not the first assault on the church in this vicinity. On December 4, 2024, bandits kidnapped approximately 50 individuals, including HEKAN pastor Reverend Francis Lawal, who sadly perished while in captivity.

 

Additionally, on October 19, 2025, four congregants of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were abducted and remain under the clutches of their captors.

 

“The ongoing onslaughts against our members in Kauru are increasingly alarming. We beseech security forces and pertinent authorities to pursue these criminals and secure the release of those taken. Families of the victims are enduring unbearable anguish,” Dr. Kiri expressed.

 

He called upon Nigerians to offer prayers for the grieving families and those still held captive, appealing for divine intervention in the nation’s deteriorating security landscape.

 

 

“HEKAN, as a community of faith, solicits your prayers for the families, the Church, and the entire community during this harrowing period. We also implore that God will intervene in our nation’s affairs and halt these incessant murders and kidnappings,” he articulated.

 

The church revealed that it has officially notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern States and Kaduna State, along with the Divisional Police Station in Kauru and other relevant bodies, about the horrifying event.