Southern Kaduna Communities Raise Alarm as Fresh Killings, Priest’s Abduction Trigger Fear

Residents of Southern Kaduna have issued a desperate appeal to authorities after a renewed wave of killings and kidnappings left communities in Kagarko Local Government Area gripped by fear and uncertainty.

The outcry came from the Concerned Koro Youths, who in a statement on Tuesday described the latest attack — which claimed the life of a young man and saw a Catholic priest abducted — as yet another devastating blow to a region long plagued by violence.

The statement, signed by the group’s chairman, Musa Haruna, said gunmen stormed Gudu Kushe, a community near Kubacha, in the early hours of Monday, killing Gideon Markus Yero and abducting Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal of St Stephen Parish.

“The attackers invaded our peaceful community, took the life of a promising young brother, and whisked away a priest who has faithfully served his people,” the group said. “Our land is bleeding. Our hearts are broken. Our communities are losing hope.”

Residents say the incident has deepened trauma among locals who have endured years of repeated assaults by armed groups widely identified as Fulani bandits across Koro land. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed, families displaced, and a sense of safety eroded.

According to the group, the kidnapping of Fr Paschal is not an isolated event. Past attacks have also targeted clergy and community members across Kushe and surrounding Koro settlements, forcing residents to live under the constant shadow of fear.

The youths warned that the continued lack of decisive government action is fueling tension among young people who feel abandoned.
“We do not want this situation to escalate,” the statement added. “But these constant attacks are pushing our youth to the limit. We fear that growing frustration may result in actions none of us desire.”

They called for urgent intervention from the Chairman of Kagarko LGA, the Kaduna State Government, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Army, the DSS, and other security agencies. Their demands include increased security deployments, rapid-response mechanisms, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration with community leaders.

The youths emphasized that despite their pain, they remain committed to peace.
“We are law-abiding citizens, but we cannot remain silent as our people die helplessly. We need immediate action to restore peace, protect lives, and rescue the abducted priest.”