BREAKING: Bandits Abduct Over 100 Church Worshippers During Sunday Service In Kaduna

Over 100 church worshippers have been abducted by bandits in a coordinated Sunday attack on multiple churches in the Kurmin Wali area of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Sources told SaharaReporters that the armed attackers stormed churches during ongoing services and forcefully took congregants away, sending shockwaves across the community. About ten vulnerable victims were reportedly released by the bandits. Security agencies have been alerted as investigations begin. The incident adds to a growing wave of violent bandit attacks in Southern Kaduna, where residents continue to face deadly assaults despite the presence of security formations.

How Were an Elderly Woman and Her Granddaughter Freed by Bandits in Southern Kaduna After a Ransom Payment?

In a dramatic turn of events in Southern Kaduna, an elderly woman, Mrs. Averik Arak, and her granddaughter were released by bandits after their family paid an undisclosed ransom. The victims had been abducted earlier this week in Arak village, Sanga Local Government Area, following a violent attack in which Mrs. Arak’s son, Kefas Habila Averik, and another resident were killed.

The release occurred on Wednesday night, after negotiations between the family and the abductors. The victims were immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical examinations, and they are reportedly in stable condition.

A family member, Racheal Averik, confirmed the ordeal on social media, expressing deep gratitude for the prayers and support received during the challenging period. She revealed that the abduction occurred just 48 hours after her mother’s son was killed, and that the elderly woman, already in mourning, was particularly vulnerable when the bandits struck.

This incident highlights the growing security challenges in Southern Kaduna, where banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks have become increasingly frequent. Local authorities and security agencies continue to face pressure to protect vulnerable communities and prevent similar tragedies.

The Kaduna kidnapping saga underscores the human cost of insecurity, showing how families are forced to pay ransoms while mourning lost loved ones, and raises urgent questions about government measures to tackle banditry and protect civilians in Nigeria’s most affected regions.

“Southern Kaduna Crisis: 138 Kidnapped, 16 Killed in Less Than Two Months — Communities Petition Governor Sani”

Communities in Southern Kaduna have submitted an urgent petition to Governor Uba Sani and top Nigerian security officials, highlighting a “silent and neglected crisis” that has left 138 people kidnapped and 16 others killed between late November 2025 and early January 2026. The petition, presented by Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, provides a detailed village-by-village account of the violence in Kauru Local Government Area, underlining the severe human toll on residents.
The worst-affected village, Kabari (Gobirawa), recorded 53 abductions and four killings, followed by Rumaya (28 kidnapped, 3 killed) and Nasarawan Kadage (29 kidnapped, 2 killed). Other villages, including Kajunga, Fadan Rishiwa, Darmanu, and Ningi Karku, reported similar abductions and deaths. Smaller incidents occurred in Rafin Iwa, Fagen Rawa, Unguwan Baka, and Zaman Chawai, showing the widespread nature of the attacks.
The petition emphasizes that the victims are not mere statistics but farmers, women, youths, and breadwinners whose lives have been shattered. It draws particular attention to a 30 November 2025 incident, in which the Chawai Youth Leader and six others were killed just meters from a military checkpoint, yet there was no immediate response from security forces.
The petition criticizes local authorities, highlighting the “continued silence” of the Kauru LGA Chairman and the absence of advocacy from state and national lawmakers, which has deepened the community’s sense of abandonment.
The community is calling for urgent action, including:
Immediate deployment of security personnel.
Intelligence-led operations targeting criminal hideouts.
A public government plan to address ongoing insecurity.
An independent investigation into the November killings.
Accountability from elected officials.
While Governor Sani has promoted a “whole-of-society approach” to tackle insecurity, at the time of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Government nor federal security agencies had responded to the petition, leaving residents desperate for intervention.

Terrorists Kill Two in Southern Kaduna, Abduct 32 Including Elderly Woman and Children in Fresh Wave of Attacks Across Sanga, Kauru, and Kajuru

At least two residents have been killed and 32 others abducted in a renewed wave of terrorist attacks across Southern Kaduna, with victims including an elderly woman, children, and other vulnerable villagers. In Arak village, Sanga Local Government Area, bandits returned barely 48 hours after killing a man and another resident, abducting Mrs. Averik Arak and her granddaughter. Mrs. Arak had been mourning her son—killed in her presence—along with his wife and daughter, and was reportedly ill when the attackers struck again.

Simultaneously, in Kajuru LGA, at least 15 villagers, mostly minors, were kidnapped from Unguwan Sarki Maro, while in Kadage village, Kauru LGA, 16 people were abducted and one person killed. A local source said more than 100 residents from seven surrounding villages in Kauru have been taken between December 1, 2025, and January 4, 2026, lamenting what he described as a media blackout on the escalating violence.

The latest incidents follow previous deadly attacks in Kachia, where four members of a family were killed during an overnight raid, and residents reported that gunmen arrived in large numbers, injuring others who were rushed to hospital. Despite repeated assaults near major institutions and security formations, no official statement had been issued by the Kaduna State Police at the time of reporting.

Southern Kaduna continues to face persistent banditry, killings, and mass kidnappings, prompting renewed calls from residents for stronger security measures by federal and state authorities to protect communities and curb the growing humanitarian crisis.

Amnesty International Condemns Mob Lynching of Pastor Dio Idon in Southern Kaduna, Demands Investigation

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the mob killing of Pastor Dio Idon in southern Kaduna, Nigeria, over allegations of witchcraft following the death of his brother. The pastor, who served at ECWA Ungwan Shaawa LC, Kasuwan Magani DCC, was reportedly lynched and burned to ashes by members of his community on January 4, 2026.

The global human rights body described the incident as a disturbing example of growing mob violence in Nigeria and called for a thorough investigation to hold perpetrators accountable. Amnesty International highlighted that such acts violate fundamental human rights and reflect systemic failures in law enforcement and justice.

The organisation urged the Nigerian government to investigate the killing, ensure justice for all involved, and implement measures to prevent mob violence, stressing that allegations of crime must be handled strictly through lawful means in line with domestic and international human rights standards.

Bandits Kill Four Members of Family in Kachia, Southern Kaduna Amid Rising Attacks

A deadly overnight attack by bandits in Kachia town, Southern Kaduna, claimed the lives of four members of the Bitrus family: Mr. Bitrus Bahago, his wife Justina, their son Ibrahim, and a relative, Adam Waziri. The attackers reportedly arrived in large numbers, opened fire, and left several others injured, who were rushed to nearby hospitals.

Kachia, near the Federal University of Applied Science, has experienced repeated assaults by armed groups despite its proximity to major security formations. The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to release an official statement.

The incident follows other attacks in Southern Kaduna, including the abduction of seven villagers from Bukkah in Chikun LGA and the kidnapping of an Anglican priest and his wife from Nissi village. Residents continue to call on federal and state authorities to strengthen security and protect vulnerable communities.

Jihadist Fulani Bandits Responsible for Over 70% of Violent Attacks on Nigerian Communities and Churches in 2025 – InterSociety Report Warns of Grave Threat to National Unity

A new report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (InterSociety) has revealed that jihadist Fulani bandits and herdsmen were responsible for more than 70 per cent of violent attacks on Christian communities and places of worship across Nigeria in 2025. The civil rights group warned that the scale, coordination, and persistence of the violence pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s national unity, sovereignty, and constitutional secularism.

According to the report, mass killings and church destructions have been systematic and well-coordinated since June 2015, with Christian communities in the Middle Belt, North-East, Southern Kaduna, parts of Kebbi, Katsina, Ondo State, and Eha-Amufu in Enugu State bearing the brunt of the attacks. InterSociety accused successive Nigerian governments of presiding over what it described as an “ethno-religiously polarised state,” alleging that violence against Christians has intensified under official watch.

The organisation claimed that jihadist Fulani bandits and herdsmen have emerged as the most widespread and deadly terror groups in Nigeria, allegedly carrying out attacks framed around “convert to Islam or die” campaigns. It further alleged that controversial government policies such as RUGA settlements, grazing reserves, and ranching initiatives indirectly enabled armed herders to settle among indigenous Christian populations.

InterSociety also raised concerns over forest security, questioning how armed groups gained access to detailed forest location data after a reported 2015 forest-mapping exercise by the Nigerian Army. Despite the grim findings, the group said international pressure helped save at least 600 Christian lives and dozens of churches in 2025, crediting advocacy on religious freedom and diplomatic interventions.

The report singled out U.S. President Donald Trump for what it described as interventions that helped avert further attacks during the Christmas and New Year period, while also praising the United States and Canada for their roles in defending religious freedom in Nigeria. At the same time, InterSociety criticised the silence of some Nigerian Christian political leaders and called for urgent domestic and international action to prevent further destabilisation of Africa’s most populous nation.

Sheikh Gumi Sues Two Facebook Users Over Alleged Defamation, Says False Threat Claims Endangered His Life

Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has instituted a criminal defamation case against two Facebook users, George Udom and Bello Isiaka, at the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna State over publications he says were falsely attributed to him and seriously damaged his reputation. The suit, filed on December 24, 2025, followed a Facebook post alleging that Gumi threatened Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, over ongoing military operations against bandits.

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly published a statement claiming that Gumi warned that the minister’s family in Zango Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be eliminated if military offensives against bandits continued. Through his lawyer, Suleiman Lere, Sheikh Gumi categorically denied ever making or endorsing such remarks, describing the publication as malicious, reckless and deliberately crafted to portray him as a terrorist sympathiser and a threat to national security.

Gumi maintained that the false claim gravely harmed his standing as a cleric known for advocating peace, dialogue and restraint, while also exposing him to possible reprisals from security agencies and members of the public. His legal team warned that the era of hiding behind social media platforms to spread falsehoods and destroy reputations was coming to an end.

The criminal summons cited provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017, under which the alleged offences attract serious penalties upon conviction. The case has further drawn attention to the growing problem of misinformation and defamation on social media in Nigeria, particularly against high-profile figures.

Sheikh Gumi, who has previously engaged armed bandits as part of peace-building efforts in northern Nigeria, reiterated that he stepped back from such engagements after the federal government designated bandits as terrorists in 2021. He stressed that while his past interventions were aimed at peace and economic stability, they exposed him to significant personal risks he is no longer willing to take.

Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has approached the Chief Magistrate Court of Kaduna State, seeking criminal action against two Facebook users over an alleged defamatory publication and death threat linked to Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. The legal action follows claims that the defendants falsely attributed a threatening statement to Sheikh Gumi, portraying him as the author of a violent warning directed at the defence minister and his family.

Court documents obtained by SaharaReporters show that the application was filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna. The matter, listed as Case No: KD Km 1685725, names Sheikh Gumi as the complainant, while George Udom and Bello Isiaka are listed as defendants. Sheikh Gumi is seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complaint summons against the two individuals.

According to the application addressed to the Registrar of the court, the complaint arose from a Facebook post allegedly published by the defendants on December 23, 2025. The post, described as a “Breaking News” item, reportedly stated that if the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, did not stop military operations against bandits, his entire family in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, would be eliminated.

The filing further identified the Facebook accounts allegedly used to publish the statement, including the usernames and partial phone details associated with George Udom and Bello Isiaka. Sheikh Gumi told the court that his photograph was attached to the post, leading many social media users to believe that he authored the statement. He said he received numerous calls from people who assumed he had issued the threat against the defence minister.

Sheikh Gumi argued that the publication falsely portrayed him as someone who threatened a public servant, specifically the Minister of Defence, whose constitutional responsibility includes maintaining peace and security across Nigeria, including Kaduna State. He maintained that the post not only damaged his reputation but also posed serious security implications by linking him to a potential act of violence.

Describing himself as an Islamic scholar widely known for preaching peace in Nigeria and beyond, Sheikh Gumi stated that the publication painted him as a troublemaker capable of inciting unrest and disrupting the fragile peace in Kaduna State. He further warned that the post positioned him as a prime suspect should any attack occur against the defence minister’s family or in Southern Kaduna, thereby exposing him to possible danger and state scrutiny.

According to the court filing, the alleged actions of the defendants violate several provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017, including sections relating to criminal conspiracy, attempted public disturbance, and criminal defamation. Sheikh Gumi’s legal team argued that the publication was not only defamatory but also capable of inciting fear, unrest, and public disorder.

The application, dated December 24, 2025, was signed by Sheikh Gumi’s lawyers from the firm of Suleiman D. Lere & Co., Kaduna. The legal team includes Suleiman Danlami Lere Esq., Ibrahim Ahmad Esq., I.H. Yahya Esq., and Saratu Nura Hassan Esq.

As of the time of reporting, the Chief Magistrate Court has not fixed a date for the hearing of the application or for the issuance of the criminal summons. The case adds to ongoing debates around misinformation, misuse of social media, and the legal consequences of publishing unverified and potentially dangerous content in Nigeria.

The development also comes amid heightened national sensitivity over security operations, online hate speech, and the spread of false information capable of inflaming tensions or undermining public confidence in security institutions.

IPOB vows support for trump to end ethno-religious violence in Nigeria.

The indigenous people of biafra (ipob) has declared its support for u.s. president donald trump’s efforts to end what it described as ethno-religious violence and persecution in nigeria.

In a statement released by its u.s. chapter and signed by spokesperson emma powerful, the group urged nigerians in america to resist any attempt by the nigerian government to “deceive the world” following trump’s recent classification of nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”

IPOB said it would organize peaceful protests against the federal government’s planned meeting with president trump, accusing the nigerian authorities of attempting to “hide evidence of killings, church burnings, and persecution.”

The group noted that its detained leader, mazi nnamdi kanu, had for years warned about attacks on christians and indigenous people but was “persecuted and imprisoned” for exposing the truth.

It alleged that several communities in the middle belt, southern kaduna, kwara, and biafraland remain under siege, adding that silence in the face of such violence amounts to complicity.

IPOB said its planned protest in washington, d.c., would be non-violent, describing it as “a peaceful but powerful demonstration for justice.”

The group called on all nigerians, regardless of ethnicity or religion, as well as human rights defenders, to join the march, saying, “unity is our shield, and the world must hear the cry of the oppressed. america must stand with the victims, not their oppressors.”

"Is the sudden interest in Christian attacks because Nigeria now has one of the world’s largest oil refineries?" — Pastor Wale Adefarasin questions Trump and others.

During a sermon at his church, Pastor Adefarasin raised concerns over what he described as the sudden international focus on the plight of Christians in Nigeria, emphasizing that insecurity in the country is neither new nor confined to a single region.

Recalling decades of violence, he highlighted the long history of killings in Southern Kaduna and the Plateau. He also referenced past international incidents, such as the defacing of an image of the Prophet Muhammad in France, which he said subsequently led to attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

“It’s nothing new. It doesn’t amount to genocide,” he said, noting that Western narratives often portray Nigerian Christians as being in constant mortal danger.”

PastorWale questioned the motivations behind global attention, suggesting that Nigeria’s growing economic and strategic significance could play a role.

“Is it because we now have one of the largest refineries in the world, or because of the 21st-century minerals in our land used for nuclear power and electric vehicles? Are these the reasons our friends are threatening to invade our country to defend Nigerian Christians?” he asked.

He concluded by urging caution and careful analysis of international interventions, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith. “Selam,” he added.

Southern Kaduna Farmers Protest Over Herders Attacks, Destruction of Farmlands.

Despite attempts to stop their demonstrations earlier in the week, aggrieved farmers in Southern Kaduna—mostly women—returned to the streets on Saturday to protest the destruction of their farmlands and recurring attacks by armed herders.

The protesters, dressed in black and joined by some men and children, marched barefoot from several villages including Aribi, Kenyi, Kutaho, Kabara, Kushe, Dogonkurmi, Katugal, Nkojo, and Kurmin Jibrin to the palace of the Chief of Koro, His Highness Yohanna Akaito, in Kurmin Jibrin, Kagarko Local Government Area. Many had their faces painted black, with leaves on their heads and in their mouths, symbolizing mourning and anguish.

Chanting sorrowful songs and prayers such as “Our Father in heaven, we have come before You; please wipe away our tears,” the farmers decried what they described as unchecked violence and impunity by armed herders destroying their crops and livelihoods.

On reaching the palace, the demonstrators forced their way in, pleading with the traditional ruler to intervene and pressure the government and security agencies to act swiftly. They warned they would return to the streets if authorities failed to respond.

Speaking before the monarch, one of the women lamented: “Your Highness, we come before you as widows, orphans, and suffering sons and daughters of Koro land. Our farmlands have been destroyed; everything we toiled for is gone. Each time we defend our farms, we are attacked with machetes. They are killing our husbands and children.”

She appealed to the Chief for urgent action, saying, “We have come because we have no one else to run to. Please help us end this suffering and restore peace and justice to our land.”

Armed bandits kill eight persons, abduct others in Southern Kaduna.

Armed bandits in the early hours on Sunday attacked Wake village in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State and killed about eight persons.

The assailants also injured about 20 other people, while many others were abducted to an unknown destination.

Most of those injured are said to be in critical condition and are receiving treatment in a hospital.

Assailants, whose identities remain unknown, have plunged the community in total fear, grief and confusion.

According to the source, “the assailants stormed the community in their large numbers and carried out their heinous act unchallenged, leading to the killing, injuring of innocent souls, while many others were abducted.”

He also explained that those killed had been buried, with the injured receiving treatment, while the destination of those abducted remained unknown to the community.

He appealed to the federal and the Kaduna state governments to deploy security personnel to the community to curb further attacks.

Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan could not be reached for comment on the reported incident.

Southern Kaduna Community Buries Seven Killed By Terrorists Despite Governor Sani's Peace Pact With Gunmen.
They were laid to rest in their community by their families, religious leaders, and others,” a community source told SaharaReporters’ New York office via WhatsApp on Sunday.

BREAKING: Seven Killed, Eight Injured In Southern Kaduna Terror Attack Despite Peace Pact

At least seven people, mostly minors, were killed and eight others injured in a late-night terrorist attack on Angwan Rimi community, Kauru LGA of Southern Kaduna.

Community leader Iliya Tata confirmed that heavily armed attackers struck between Sunday night and early Monday, leaving children as young as one year old among the victims. Survivors sustained gunshot wounds and machete cuts.

The Irigwe Development Association condemned the killings, calling on security agencies and government authorities to act swiftly to protect communities.

The attack comes despite Kaduna State’s peace pact with bandit leaders under the new “Kaduna Model” initiative, which has seen some warlords lay down arms. Critics, however, have warned that the deal lacks transparency and excludes victims’ voices.

#Kaduna #Nigeria #TerrorAttack #BreakingNews

I did not join Bola Ahmed Tinubu
@officialABAT
in distributing heroin and cocaine in Chicago.

I did not join
@atiku
Atiku Abubakar in looting the Nigerian Customs dry.

I did not join David Mark when he stole funds meant to fix our telephones and later helped to crush our democratic hopes on June 12.

I did not join Abubakar Malami, SAN, in violating human rights and looting the treasury under Muhammadu Buhari’s watch including banning
@Twitter
.

I did not join Nasir El-Rufai
@elrufai
in massacring Shiites and fueling religious genocide in Southern Kaduna.

I did not join
@PeterObi
at the Tin Can Ports while he cleared goods for Sani Abacha when the same Abacha that was dismantling Nigeria brick by brick.

I did not join Sule Lamido and the SDP traitors who sold out MKO Abiola and the will of the Nigerian people during June 12 struggle.

I did not join
@ChibuikeRotimi1
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi while he gambled away Rivers State funds and abandoned the mini-rail project already paid for.

I have never joined an armed robbery gang.

I have never pledged allegiance to any cult gang—no matter how popular, powerful, or fanciful.

I have only one allegiance: to the oppressed, the disenfranchised, the cheated, the silenced. I will join only those ready and willing to end this national nightmare created by these characters listed above!

Let it be known: I stand with a vanguard of justice. A coalition of truth. A revolutionary team to restore the dignity of the Nigerian people and Africans.

Nigeria must be free from these evil doers.

#RevolutionNow ✊🏾