The United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, has condemned the killing of one of its pastors, Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, and the abduction of more than 20 worshippers during a fresh attack on the Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, saw heavily armed bandits invade the quiet community, shooting sporadically and abducting several villagers, including congregants of the HEKAN Church.
In a statement on Thursday, the President of HEKAN, Reverend Dr. Amos Kiri, described the assault as “callous, inhumane, and wicked,” lamenting the persistent targeting of Christian communities and clergy in the region.
“With a heavy heart, 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 stated.
Citing a report from the HEKAN Kauru District Church Council Chairman, Rev. Dauda Gambo, Dr. Kiri said the bandits stormed the community at dawn and began shooting indiscriminately.
“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 read.
The remains of the slain clergyman have been deposited in a morgue as the church consults with his family on burial arrangements.
Dr. Kiri noted that the latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents targeting HEKAN members in the area. He recalled that on December 4, 2024, bandits abducted about 50 persons, including another pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal, who later died in captivity. Similarly, on October 19, 2025, four members of the HEKAN Kakude Local Church were kidnapped 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.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the bereaved families and those still in captivity, calling for divine intervention in Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
“HEKAN 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 said it had officially notified the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Kaduna State Police Command, and other relevant authorities of the attack.