Kaduna State has once again been thrown into chaos as armed gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, abducted seven persons, including women and children, from Anchuna village, Ikulu Chiefdom, in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.
The harrowing attack, which took place on Wednesday night, saw heavily armed assailants storm the village in large numbers, firing sporadically to instill fear before seizing their victims and disappearing into the night.
A resident of the area, Samuel Kukah, who is related to the renowned Bishop Hassan Kukah, confirmed the abduction, revealing that his younger brother, Ishaya Kukah, was among those kidnapped.
“My brother, Ishaya, was the only male among the abductees; the rest are women and children. The attackers invaded our village around 11 p.m.,” Kukah told Daily Trust.
Despite the family’s distress, no contact has been made by the kidnappers, leaving them in a state of agonizing uncertainty.
“We are praying for their safety while waiting for any call,” he added, urging security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the victims, emphasizing that most of those kidnapped were vulnerable individuals.
This latest abduction comes on the heels of the shocking murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, a Catholic priest and pastor of St. Mary Catholic Church, Tachira, in Kaura Local Government Area.
Fr. Okechukwu was abducted from his residence on March 4, 2025, and tragically killed the following day, Ash Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the Christian community.
The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, in a solemn statement issued by its Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed the heartbreaking news:
> “With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the tragic death of our beloved priest, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, who was kidnapped from his residence on the evening of March 4, 2025. After being taken by his abductors, we regret to inform you that Fr. Sylvester was cruelly killed in the early hours of March 5, Ash Wednesday.”
The Diocese, while mourning the loss, has called for calm, urging residents to shun acts of retaliation and instead press for urgent government intervention to address the spiraling security crisis in Kaduna.
The gruesome murder of a Catholic priest and the abduction of innocent villagers further highlight the deteriorating security situation in Kaduna State. Despite repeated calls for intervention, criminal elements continue to operate with impunity, leaving residents in a perpetual state of fear.
With no arrests or decisive action from security agencies, the people of Kaduna are left asking: How many more lives must be lost before the government takes meaningful action?
As the families of the abducted await any word from the kidnappers, and the Christian community mourns the brutal killing of Fr. Okechukwu, one thing remains certain—Kaduna is under siege, and urgent action is needed now.
PIONEER NEWS 