Terrorists have k!lled a Catholic catechist who was abducted alongside five other captives during an attack on Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
LIB reported that 32 victims, including a bride-to-be, Peace Lami Williams, were kidnapped on February 9, 2026 when heavily armed bandits invaded the two communities in a midnight raid, firing sporadically before forcing villagers from their homes and marching them into the forest.
It was gathered that the victims were k!lled despite months of ransom negotiations and payments by members of the affected communities.
A church source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the latest development to journalists on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Guardian reported.
According to the source, the incident has thrown the agrarian communities into mourning and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation.
The source disclosed that the communities had made frantic efforts to secure the freedom of the abductees through ransom payments and contributions from residents, many of whom reportedly sold personal belongings and farm produce in the hope of bringing their loved ones home alive.
The community sources identified those killed as Friday Agama, Kunama Dogo, Monday Tanko, Peace Lami Williams, a man identified simply as Pawpaw’s brother, and the Catholic catechist, who was reportedly subjected to severe torture before he d!ed in captivity.
The attack had sparked widespread fear, forcing many residents to flee the communities, while families and religious leaders repeatedly appealed to government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
According to community sources, the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million and four motorcycles for the release of the captives.
Despite months of negotiations and financial contributions by residents, the bandits later insisted on an additional N15 million before releasing the remaining victims.
“The community has been raising the money by itself. People contributed whatever they could and even sold valuables, hoping everyone would return alive,” one of the sources said.
The source lamented that despite the sacrifices made by residents, six of the captives were eventually k!lled.
Meanwhile, findings revealed that the attack was preceded by threats from the bandits.
Before the invasion, the gunmen reportedly contacted a parishioner, Bulus Alim, demanding N10 million and threatening to attack the community if the money was not paid.
The source said the bandits specifically cited the community’s thriving ginger cultivation and irrigation farming as evidence that residents had the financial capacity to meet their demands.
Despite warnings for residents to remain vigilant, the attackers returned as threatened and carried out the mass abduction.
Community sources further pointed out that women and children abducted during the attack were released on Easter Sunday.
The wife of the slain Catholic catechist, who was pregnant when she was abducted, was among those freed.
She later gave birth on Easter Wednesday after returning to the community.
The sources further disclosed that all abductees from Kugir community have now regained their freedom.
Two of the released victims, Williams Ishaya and Iliya Dauda, are currently receiving medical treatment in Kachia for injuries and trauma sustained during their captivity.
Two others, identified as Shedrack and Daniel Ganga, were also released and have since reunited with their families.
However, the latest k!llings have reignited calls for urgent government intervention to stem the growing wave of banditry in Southern Kaduna.
Residents said the prolonged captivity, repeated ransom demands and eventual k!lling of six victims have devastated the affected communities and weakened their means of livelihood.
They appealed to Governor Uba Sani, the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue operations, strengthen security presence in vulnerable rural communities and ensure that those responsible for the k!llings are arrested and prosecuted.
Community members also expressed concern that despite complying with ransom demands through self-help efforts, they still lost six of their loved ones, describing the development as a painful reminder of the insecurity confronting rural communities.
