The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Rev. Enoch Kaura, has raised alarm over persistent bandit attacks in the area, lamenting that dozens of clerics and community members have been killed over the years.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kaura said Kajuru has endured repeated assaults including killings, mass abductions, and ransom demands, leaving many communities deserted and residents living in fear.
He disclosed that several pastors in the area have been murdered, naming some of the victims as Pastor Michel Shadari, Pastor Adalci Usman, Pastor Benard, Rev. Aliburah, Rev. Narimi, Rev. Thomas Gaku and Rev. Anthony Lamba.
“Three pastors’ wives were also brutally killed,” he added.
According to him, “Over a thousand people have fallen victim to these violent attacks. In Doon Noma alone, 86 people were killed in a single incident, followed by another 36 fatalities. Hundreds have been kidnapped.”
He said churches have not been spared, noting that a recent assault in Ugakala, Maro Ward, led to one death and several injuries.
Kaura listed communities such as Karamai, Ungwan Gajere, Gidan Duna and Agwala Makaranta among those abandoned due to insecurity.
He commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for initial interventions that enabled farmers to return to their farmlands, but warned that “these efforts appear to be waning,” with fresh restrictions resurfacing in some areas as bandit attacks continue.
Apologising to the Christian community over earlier remarks attributed to him, Kaura said while he would not contradict the CAN national president, he stands by the fact that Kajuru has been grappling with severe insecurity.
He appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted residents, revealing that about 40 people are currently being held in locations across Kufana, Kutura Station, Afogo, Doka Avong and Idehjeh Kallah.
“I appeal to the Governor to expedite security measures, as many remain captive,” he said.
