Six people, including a Catholic catechist and a bride-to-be, have been killed by terrorists more than four months after they were abducted during an attack on Kutaho and Kugir communities in Aribi Ward, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The victims were among 32 residents kidnapped on February 9, 2026, when heavily armed bandits stormed the two communities in a midnight raid, shooting indiscriminately before forcing residents into the forest.
The killings came despite months of ransom negotiations and payments made by members of the affected communities.
A church source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, confirmed the development to journalists on Tuesday, June 30, according to The Guardian.
The source said the incident has left the communities in mourning and renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in the area.
Residents reportedly raised money through donations and by selling personal belongings and farm produce in an effort to secure the release of the abductees.
The six victims were identified 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 tortured before dying in captivity.
Community sources said the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million and four motorcycles for the victims' release. After receiving ransom payments, they reportedly demanded an additional N15 million before agreeing to free the remaining captives.
"The community has been raising the money by itself. People contributed whatever they could and even sold valuables, hoping everyone would return alive," a source said.
Before the February attack, the gunmen had reportedly contacted a parishioner, Bulus Alim, demanding N10 million and threatening to invade the community if the money was not paid.
According to the source, the attackers claimed the community's ginger farming and irrigation activities showed residents could afford the ransom.
Despite warnings for residents to remain vigilant, the gunmen later carried out the attack and abducted dozens of people.
Women and children kidnapped during the invasion were released on Easter Sunday. The pregnant wife of the slain catechist was among those freed and later gave birth on Easter Wednesday after returning home.
Community sources said all abductees from Kugir community have now regained their freedom.
Two released victims, Williams Ishaya and Iliya Dauda, are receiving treatment in Kachia for injuries sustained during captivity, while two others, identified as Shedrack and Daniel Ganga, have reunited with their families.
The latest killings have renewed calls for stronger security measures in Southern Kaduna.
Residents appealed to Governor Uba Sani, the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable communities, intensify rescue operations and ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
They also expressed frustration that despite meeting the kidnappers' ransom demands through community efforts, six of the abducted residents were still killed.
