…“90% residents desert homes” – Rev Fr Bobai
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In what could be regarded as a reoccurring decimal or, daily basis in the State, residents of Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have deserted their homes, following a deadly midnight bandit attack that led to the abduction of a Catholic catechist, his heavily-pregnant wife, and about 30 other persons.
Confirming the incident to Journalists, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Kutaho, Rev. Fr. Linus Matthew Bobai, said fear has gripped the area, forcing over 90 percent of residents to flee to neighbouring villages for safety.
According to him, the attack occurred around 2am on Monday when the armed bandits stormed the communities after their earlier issued threats demanding for ransom from residents.
“Before the incident, they called one of my parishioners and demanded ₦10 million, threatening to kidnap him, if he failed to comply,” Fr. Bobai said.
“They claimed our people are into irrigation farming and ginger cultivation, and that means money,” he stated.
He explained that, despite warnings issued to the community to remain vigilant, the bandits came as threatened, and launched a coordinated attack, while he was away in Kaduna procuring textbooks for St. Joseph School.
The cleric disclosed that the attackers abducted 16 persons from Kutaho, including a Catholic catechist, his pregnant wife, and their baby, while another 16 persons were taken from Kugir, bringing the total number of abducted victims to 32.
He said the gunmen initially rounded-up more than 20 residents in Kutaho, but later released elderly persons and those with health challenges.
In Kugir, the attackers reportedly invaded a church outstation residence, abducting several occupants, including children; although, some victims managed to escape, while being led away.
Fr. Bobai further revealed that the village head narrowly escaped death after being chased and attacked with a machete.
“The Dakachi was almost killed. His head and arm were badly injured, and he had to be rushed to Kagarko for treatment,” he said.
On security response, the priest noted that soldiers stationed in a neighbouring community had earlier been informed, following the initial threat.
He added that complaints had been lodged, though residents were later told the area lacked regular security patrols.
The priest appealed to the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene, stressing that the mass displacement of residents has worsened the humanitarian situation in the area.
“More than 90 percent of our people slept outside the community. Only a few of us remained behind to keep vigil. Our members cannot continue to run indefinitely,” he said.
The attack once again highlights the persistent security challenges confronting rural communities in parts of Kaduna State, where residents continue to call for sustained security presence and proactive patrols so as to prevent further attacks.
Families of the abducted victims have appealed for prayers and swift government intervention to ensure the safe release of their loved ones and the restoration of normalcy in the affected communities.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command was yet to issue any official statement on the incident, as repeated calls placed to the command’s spokesperson by newsmen went unanswered.