Southern Kaduna Massacre: ‘We Failed to Protect Them,’ Bishop laments as 27 victims buried

Grieving families, clergy, and sympathizers gathered Saturday for a mass burial of 27 residents killed in a recent terrorist attack on Naridon village, Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan conducted the solemn ceremony for the victims, three of whom were buried earlier.

Suspected terrorists attacked the farming community, located on the Kaduna-Plateau border, late Sunday night. The attackers opened fire on residents, set houses ablaze, and abducted an unspecified number of people. Addressing the mourners, Bishop Julius Yakubu Kundi of the Kafanchan Diocese stated that the victims were failed by those tasked with their protection.

"I deliberately asked for the coffins to be lined up like this, so it will be evidence for us and all of Nigeria that we failed to protect them. They should not have died now," Bishop Kundi said. He conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families, acknowledging their profound grief, especially for parents who lost children and other loved ones.

The attack has reignited fears about the persistent insecurity plaguing communities along the Kaduna-Plateau border, which have frequently been targeted by armed groups. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killings as heinous and unacceptable, ordering security agencies to apprehend those responsible. He also extended condolences to the Kaduna State Government and the victims' families. As of this report, no arrests have been announced by security agencies.

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I deliberately asked for the coffins to be lined up like this, so it will be evidence for us and all of Nigeria that we failed to protect them. They should not have died now.