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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.

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.

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No fewer than 10 people have reportedly been killed following a deadly overnight attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attackers were said to have stormed the quiet farming community at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1, unleashing terror on residents who were asleep in their homes.

According to eyewitness accounts, the heavily armed assailants moved from house to house, firing indiscriminately and forcing terrified villagers to flee into nearby bushes in a desperate bid to escape the violence.

A resident of the community, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told journalists during a telephone interview that the attack left several people dead, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He disclosed that local youths who returned to the village after the attackers had fled recovered at least 10 bodies, with fears that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue.

“Some armed herders invaded Sai Community around 2 a.m. They went from one house to another, shooting sporadically and causing panic. Residents ran into the bush to save their lives,” the source said.

“When we returned to the community at daybreak, youths recovered 10 bodies, while several injured victims were rushed to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for medical treatment.”

The source added that some residents remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that more casualties could be discovered as security agencies and local volunteers continue search operations in the area.

The latest attack has once again heightened fears over the persistent insecurity in parts of Benue State, where farming communities have repeatedly come under violent attacks linked to suspected armed herders.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the incident, while authorities were yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.

Residents have called on the federal and state governments, as well as security agencies, to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable communities and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.

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The Nigeria Police Force said its operatives have arrested two members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate identified as Buhari Adamu and Abubakar Saidu who are linked to the deadly attack and abductions carried out on 16th May 2026 at Gbagalape Community, a border settlement between the FCT and Nasarawa State.

Force Public Relations officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu who announced this in a statement on Tuesday said the suspects as member of the syndicate abducted many residents of Gbagalape while others were killed or sustained injuries during the operation.

He added that operation also led to the murder of multiple victims after ransom demands were made.

Iniedu said the suspects who were also responsible for a series of abductions and killings along FCT–Nasarawa border communities were arrested in coordinated intelligence-led operations conducted between 24th and 26th June 2026 by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) in Gbagalape (FCT), Mararaba (Nasarawa State), and Abuja.

He added that a raid on the hideout of the gang after their arrest by police operatives led to recovery of weapons

“Preliminary investigations linked the syndicate to the deadly attack carried out on 16th May 2026 at Gbagalape Community, a border settlement between the FCT and Nasarawa State, during which several residents were abducted, while others were killed or sustained gunshot injuries. The operation also led to the murder of multiple victims after ransom demands were made.

“Following the arrests, operatives stormed the gang’s hideout at Gbagalape Hills, where one AK-47 rifle, twenty-two (22) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, fourteen (14) cows, and three (3) sheep suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities were recovered.

The Force spokesperson said the suspects have made statements to aid ongoing investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.

He quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu as reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-led operations against violent criminal networks across the country.

Disu also commended the operatives of the FID-STS for their professionalism and resilience and urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and detection.