Kaduna — The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), popularly known as HEKAN, has cried out over the killing of one of its pastors, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and the abduction of more than 20 people during a bandit attack on Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The attack reportedly happened in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, when heavily armed bandits stormed the quiet village, shooting sporadically and throwing residents into panic. Several villagers, including worshippers from the HEKAN Church, were reportedly taken away by the attackers.
In a statement signed by the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, the church described the incident as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” lamenting that Christian communities and clergy in the area continue to suffer repeated attacks.
“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 Rev. Dauda Gambo, Chairman of the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council, Dr. Kiri explained that the gunmen invaded the community at dawn, shooting wildly and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes.
“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 added.
Dr. Kiri confirmed that the pastor’s body had been deposited in a morgue, and that the church was working with his family to make burial arrangements.
He recalled that this was not the first time HEKAN had been targeted in Kauru. On December 4, 2024, about 50 people — including Reverend Francis Lawal, another HEKAN pastor — were kidnapped. Rev. Lawal later died in captivity. Similarly, on October 19, 2025, four members of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were abducted 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 said.
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He urged Nigerians to keep the bereaved families and those still in captivity in their prayers, calling for divine intervention to end the wave of violence sweeping across the country.
“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 also confirmed that it had officially notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern and Kaduna State chapters, as well as the Divisional Police Station in Kauru and other relevant authorities about the incident.
