Bandits have attacked a community in Kadarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting a catechist, his pregnant wife, and about 30 other residents.
The incident was disclosed by the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday.
The cleric said the armed men invaded the area and carried out the mass abduction, which has left the community gripped by fear and uncertainty.
He explained that the situation forced many residents to flee to safer locations in neighbouring villages.
“Sincerely, after the attack, some soldiers came from the neighbouring village, went around and after a while, we saw them coming back and that’s all.
“We are handicapped. The community is under tension; over 98% of people have gone to a nearby village. Those of us who slept in the village yesterday are not up to 40.
“This evening, many of them went away because of fear and all that. We are very tensed. Some of us are afraid but we cannot run away because we are pastors, and we encouraged a few others to stay behind and look after the community,” the priest said.
Fr. Bobai described the atmosphere in the community as extremely tense. He noted that only a few people remain, as most families have evacuated for safety.
He added that despite the fear, some clergy members chose to stay behind to support those who could not leave and to safeguard church property and the deserted community.
The latest abduction adds to the growing list of attacks on communities in Kaduna State, where banditry and kidnapping continue to pose serious security challenges. Residents have repeatedly called for stronger security presence to prevent further assaults.
