Residents of Tudun Bussa village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been thrown into fear and anxiety following the abduction of a Baptist Church cleric, Pastor Daniel Bagama, and his three daughters by suspected bandits.
The incident, which occurred late on Sunday night, January 18, 2026, has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in parts of Kaduna State, particularly rural communities that have remained vulnerable to attacks by armed groups.
According to information gathered, the gunmen invaded Tudun Bussa village at about 11 pm, firing sporadically into the air to create panic among residents. Witnesses said the sudden sound of gunshots shattered the calm of the night, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes and surrounding areas in fear for their lives.
After spreading fear across the community, the attackers reportedly made their way directly to the residence of Pastor Daniel Bagama, a serving minister of the Baptist Church. The assailants were said to have forcibly gained access to the house before abducting the pastor and three of his daughters. They were subsequently taken to an unknown destination.
The abduction was formally disclosed by the Conference President of the Kaduna Baptist Conference, Reverend Ishaya Adamu Jangado, in a letter addressed to the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN, with copies circulated to relevant church authorities.
“I write to inform you that bandits have abducted a Baptist Church Pastor, Pastor Daniel Bagama, and his three daughters at Tudun Bussa village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the letter stated.
Reverend Jangado explained that the attack occurred late on Sunday night when armed men stormed the community and carried out the abduction under the cover of darkness. He expressed deep concern over the safety of the victims and appealed for urgent prayers and collective efforts toward their safe release.
The Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Caleb Ma’aji Bawa, confirmed the incident, describing it as disturbing and deeply troubling. He said the abduction of a clergyman and his children underscores the growing insecurity faced by religious leaders and ordinary citizens alike.
“This unfortunate incident is another painful reminder of the persistent insecurity confronting our communities,” Reverend Bawa said. “We are deeply concerned about the safety of Pastor Bagama and his daughters, and we are calling on security agencies to act swiftly to secure their release.”
Residents of Tudun Bussa village described the attack as terrifying, noting that the sound of gunfire sent shockwaves through the community. Some villagers said they were unable to sleep throughout the night, fearing that the attackers might return.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the community has repeatedly raised concerns about the absence of adequate security in the area.
“We heard gunshots everywhere. People were running in different directions. Before we knew it, the pastor and his daughters were taken away. We are living in fear because this is not the first time bandits are coming close to our village,” the resident said.
The abduction has sparked renewed calls for improved security presence in Chikun Local Government Area, which has witnessed several attacks, kidnappings, and killings in recent years. Despite repeated assurances by authorities, many rural communities in the area continue to suffer from frequent incursions by armed groups.
Religious leaders in the state have condemned the attack, describing it as a cruel and inhumane act that violates the sanctity of human life and religious service. They urged the government to prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities and religious institutions.
The Kaduna Baptist Conference, in its communication, appealed to members of the church and the wider Christian community to remain calm while praying fervently for the safe return of the abducted pastor and his daughters.
Security experts note that the targeting of clerics and their families is a troubling trend that could have broader social implications, particularly in areas already grappling with fear and mistrust.
As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and no ransom demand has been officially confirmed. Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command for comment were ongoing, but there was no immediate response.
Meanwhile, community leaders and residents have continued to appeal to the state and federal governments to intensify security operations in rural parts of Kaduna State and address the root causes of banditry, including poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of illegal arms.
The abduction of Pastor Daniel Bagama and his three daughters has once again drawn national attention to the persistent security challenges in the North West region, as families, religious groups, and concerned Nigerians await news of their safe release.
