From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Residents of Kauru in Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, have appealed to the State Government to deploy soldiers permanently in their communities amid a surge in kidnappings, which have claimed over 50 lives and led to more than N300 million paid in ransom.
Speaking on behalf of the affected communities, Reverend Musa Hassan said repeated attacks have targeted 39 villages since October 2025. The affected areas include Dutsen Yalwa, Gidan Kunkumi, Randa, Anguwan Isa, Sabo Layi, High Pastor, Isawa, Masallaci, Kabari, and others.
Reverend Musa reported that the insecurity has caused the closure of more than 20 mosques and over 65 churches in the region. “They are chasing us away from our homes,” he stated.
He revealed that over 1,000 people have been kidnapped in recent months, with 17 still held hostage. Families of the abducted have reached out to negotiate their loved ones’ release. “We have spent more than 300 million for ransom,” Reverend Musa said.
Although security agencies have responded to the attacks, Reverend Musa explained that these efforts have not been sustained.
“They can come when they hear that the kidnappers are coming. They can come, but they cannot live there. They will go. That is the problem,” he said. “We are appealing to the state government to station them there.”
A delegation comprising both Christian and Muslim leaders, along with Hausa and Fulani representatives, said it came to appeal directly to the government for help. Reverend Musa noted that their delay in speaking out was due to uncertainty about where to direct their complaints.
“The reason why we didn’t come earlier is we didn’t know where we were supposed to go and say it or plead about it,” he explained.
The communities are now calling for urgent action from both the state and federal governments to restore peace and enable displaced residents to return safely to their homes.
