Amanze Chinonye
A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has condemned the killing of Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, a pastor with the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), also known as HEKAN, and the abduction of more than 20 Christians during a fresh attack on the Farin Dutse community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, October 28, 2025, saw heavily armed assailants invade the Christian settlement, shooting sporadically and abducting residents, including members of the HEKAN church. Rev. Kambasiya was reportedly killed by a stray bullet after stepping out of hiding to assess the situation following the assault.
Reacting to the incident, Rep. Riley M. Moore described the killings as “horrific,” calling for stronger international attention to the worsening violence targeting Christian communities in northern Nigeria.
“Horrific news out of northern Nigeria. A pastor was shot and killed and 20 Christians were abducted. This is the second attack on this same Christian community just this month. Enough is enough. It’s time to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” Moore said in a statement.
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The United Church of Christ in Nigeria had earlier confirmed the killing and abductions, with its President, Rev. Amos Kiri, decrying the continuous targeting of worshippers and clergy in the region.
He urged both federal and state authorities to act decisively to secure communities in southern Kaduna and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The latest incident marks the second major attack on Farin Dutse this month.
According to church officials, a similar assault occurred on October 19, in which four HEKAN members from the Kakude branch were kidnapped and remain in captivity. Another major abduction of about 50 people, including a HEKAN pastor, was recorded in December 2024.
As of press time, security agencies and the Kaduna State government had yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest killings and abductions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
