The quiet community of Farin Dutse in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State was thrown into mourning after heavily armed bandits stormed the area in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Among the victims was Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, a dedicated pastor of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN. Over twenty villagers, including church members, were also abducted in the brutal raid.
Witnesses say the attackers arrived at dawn, firing sporadically and spreading fear across the community. Many residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the gunfire. Sadly, Reverend Kambasiya, who had initially sought refuge on a farm, was shot dead after stepping out, believing the gunmen had left. The bullet struck him in the back and pierced through his chest — a heartbreaking end for a man known for his service to God and his people.
HEKAN President, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, described the incident as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” condemning the repeated targeting of Christian communities and clergy in the region. He revealed that the church had officially reported the attack to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Kauru Police Division, and other relevant authorities. Reverend Kiri added that the church was in contact with the late pastor’s family regarding burial arrangements.
This isn’t the first time HEKAN has been hit by such tragedy. In December 2024, about 50 people, including another HEKAN pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal, were abducted in the same area — Lawal sadly died in captivity. Just weeks ago, on October 19, four members of HEKAN Kakude Church were also kidnapped and remain missing.
Calling for urgent government intervention, Reverend Kiri urged security agencies to hunt down the attackers and rescue those abducted. “Families of the victims are passing through unbearable trauma,” he lamented, appealing to Nigerians to remember the bereaved in prayers. “We pray that God will intervene in the affairs of our nation and bring an end to these incessant killings and kidnappings,” he said with emotion.
The once-peaceful Farin Dutse now stands silent, scarred by grief and uncertainty — a painful reminder of the growing insecurity that continues to haunt communities across Kaduna and beyond.
