Kaduna Archdiocese condemns deadly attacks on Christian communities, leaving multiple dead, abducted, and displaced amid rising insecurity.
Newsroom (25/05/2026 Gaudium Press) The Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna in Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation following a renewed wave of terrorist attacks targeting Christian communities under the care of Sts. Peter and Paul Kurmin Parish in the Dangana District of Kaduna State. The violence, which has unfolded across several parish outstations in Kagarko Local Government Area (KLG), has left at least five people dead, many injured, and numerous others abducted.
The latest incident occurred on the night of Thursday, May 21, in the outstation of Kurmin Bongo, according to a statement from Fr. Christian Okewu Emmanuel, Chancellor of the Nigerian Metropolitan See. In a letter dated May 22 and addressed to the Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Fr. Okewu described what he termed “incessant terrorist attacks” against vulnerable communities in the region.
“The terrorists struck between 10:00 pm and 1:00 am, during heavy rainfall,” Fr. Okewu wrote. “In spite of the efforts of the vigilante group, five persons were killed, while ten others were abducted, out of which two were rescued through the efforts of the vigilante group.”
A Pattern of Violence
The assault on Kurmin Bongo is part of a broader pattern of repeated attacks on Catholic outstations in the area. Fr. Okewu detailed earlier incidents, including an attack on the Kasaru-B outstation on March 2. During that raid, one individual was killed, another seriously wounded, and eight others—including a Mai Wa’azi (local catechist or religious leader)—were abducted.
Although the kidnapped victims were eventually released, the ordeal proved deadly for some. “Two of them were killed in the terrorists’ den,” Fr. Okewu recounted, underscoring the brutality of the captors.
Barely two weeks after the release of the Kasaru-B victims, another attack struck the outstation of Sabon Gari on May 1. According to the Archdiocese, two individuals sustained gunshot injuries while ten others were abducted. Tragically, one of the abductees was later killed while still in captivity.
Growing Fear Among Communities
The cumulative effect of these attacks has been devastating. Residents of the affected communities have been plunged into a state of fear and uncertainty, with many forced to flee their homes.
“Needless to say, these repeated attacks have displaced affected persons and thrown the communities into untold sorrows, fears, and uncertainty,” Fr. Okewu stated.
The Archdiocese warned that the continuing violence is eroding the social fabric of these communities, many of which already face economic and infrastructural challenges. The attacks often occur at night and under difficult conditions, such as heavy rainfall, making them harder to prevent and heightening the vulnerability of residents.
Call for Government Action
In response, the Catholic Archdiocese has called on government authorities and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action. Fr. Okewu emphasized the need for stronger protective measures to safeguard lives and property in what he described as “besieged areas.”
“The Archdiocese condemns these incessant attacks in the strongest terms and calls on government and the security agencies to intensify efforts towards the protection of lives and properties,” he said.
Local vigilante groups have played a role in responding to attacks and rescuing victims, but their efforts have proven insufficient in the face of increasingly organized and persistent assaults.
Wider Context of Insecurity
The violence in Kaduna State reflects a broader crisis of insecurity across Nigeria. The country has faced years of escalating kidnappings, armed raids, and targeted killings carried out by criminal gangs and insurgent groups.
Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has posed a significant challenge, particularly in northern regions. Additionally, violence in various parts of the country has been linked to armed Fulani herdsmen—often referred to as the Fulani Militia—further complicating the security landscape.
The situation in Kagarko Local Government Area highlights the risks faced by rural and religious communities caught in the crossfire of these overlapping threats.
A Community Under Siege
As the Archdiocese continues to document the attacks and advocate for intervention, the immediate reality for affected residents remains grim. Families mourn lost loved ones, communities grapple with displacement, and those abducted face uncertain fates.
The Church’s appeal underscores not only the urgency of the crisis but also the need for sustained attention to the plight of communities living under constant threat. Without meaningful action, local leaders warn, the cycle of violence is likely to persist, deepening instability and suffering across the region.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa
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