The peaceful start to 2025 was shattered for residents of Unguwar Rogo in Kaduna State’s Kajuru Local Government Area when armed bandits launched a devastating attack on the community, burning down an ECWA Church and several homes. The New Year’s Day assault on the Ugom community left locals fleeing into nearby bushes for safety, abandoning their possessions as the gunmen went on a rampage.
According to Ishaya Onussim, Chairman of the Ugom Progressive Union, the attackers didn’t stop at burning buildings – they first looted the church and its pastorium before setting them ablaze.
“Six houses were reduced to ashes, and the bandits made off with various farm products,” Onussim revealed in a statement, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the destruction.
The attack marks another bloody chapter in what locals describe as an ongoing nightmare of violence in the area. Zamani Ishaku, a resident of nearby Maro who confirmed the incident on Thursday, painted a grim picture of the community’s struggles.
“Our area has been under constant assault from these gunmen for quite some time now,” he told Daily Trust, his voice heavy with frustration.
The timing of the attack – on the very first day of the year – has left the community particularly devastated.
“It’s heartbreaking to face such an incident so early in the year,” Onussim lamented, making an urgent appeal for government intervention at all levels.
