At least 10 Churches shut in Katsina amid rising killings, kidnappings

Growing insecurity across parts of Katsina State has forced the closure of at least 10 churches and displaced worshippers, clergy and residents from several communities, according to the Senior Reverend in charge of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in the state, Rev. Daniel Barau.

The cleric raised concerns over what he described as an escalating wave of bandit attacks, kidnappings and killings in communities located within Kankia, Musawa, Kankara and Malumfashi Local Government Areas, warning that the situation is threatening both livelihoods and religious activities across the affected regions.

Speaking on the deteriorating security situation in the Funtua zone, Barau said residents live under constant fear as armed bandits continue to launch attacks on villages with little respite.

According to him, criminal gangs have turned many communities into targets for abductions, extortion, rape and violent attacks, forcing many families to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.

“As I am talking to you, there is hardly a day that bandits do not attack a community either in the morning, afternoon or at night. They kidnap people, rape women, steal valuable items and kill anyone who crosses their path,” he lamented.

The cleric alleged that the armed groups have gone beyond violent attacks and are now imposing levies on rural communities before allowing farmers access to their farmlands during the current farming season.

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He claimed that residents of Mazoji (B) Ward were ordered to raise and pay N30 million to the bandits, while communities such as Maruji, Dan Ali, Ilali, Gwarjo and Jimpi were allegedly directed to pay N10 million each as a condition for cultivating their farms.

According to Barau, the development has worsened the economic hardship facing rural residents, many of whom depend heavily on agriculture for survival.

He further disclosed that more than 20 people have been killed in the affected communities within the last two weeks, describing the casualty figure as evidence of the severity of the security crisis.

The worsening insecurity, he said, has taken a significant toll on Christian communities, resulting in the closure of several churches as congregants and church leaders flee for safety.

Among the worship centres affected are churches located in Boraji under the Siyyaya Chiefdom, as well as churches in Yan Sako within Musawa and Matazu areas. He also revealed that a church in Tagabawa, located in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, has ceased operations due to persistent security threats.

Barau added that churches in Kakilawa, Sabon Layi Mazoji and Gidan Mai Doki have been abandoned after pastors serving in those communities were forced to flee because of repeated attacks and fears for their safety.

Other affected worship centres include the ECWA Church in Jimpi, a church in Gidan Damo, another in Mararar Kankara and a Catholic Church located in Gidan Na Moni. According to him, a church in Yan Mayu Takalafiya has also suspended all religious activities indefinitely.

The cleric warned that the continued displacement of residents and religious leaders could have long-term consequences for community stability, social cohesion and access to spiritual support in rural areas.

He therefore appealed to the Federal Government, the Katsina State Government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to urgently intervene by strengthening security operations in the affected communities and providing humanitarian assistance to victims of the attacks.

“We are pleading for urgent attention and support from the federal and state governments, including CAN, to assist us by providing adequate security presence and food intervention for victims affected by these attacks,” he said.

Barau stressed that many displaced families are struggling to survive after losing access to their homes, farms and sources of livelihood due to the persistent violence.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the growing influence of armed bandit groups in parts of northwestern Nigeria poses a serious challenge to rural development, food production and public safety.

They note that attacks on farming communities could further affect agricultural output and worsen food insecurity if the situation remains unchecked.

The ECWA leader cautioned that unless decisive and sustained action is taken to address the security challenges confronting the affected areas, more communities may be forced to relocate, leading to further displacement and disruption of religious, social and economic activities across the state.