HEKAN Lays Pastor, Shot By Unknown Gunmen To Rest

The remains of Reverend Yahaya Kambasiya, a clergyman with the United Church of Christ in Nigeria (UCCN), popularly known as HEKAN, who was killed by unknown gunmen in Kaduna State, have been laid to rest in his hometown of Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Reverend Kambasiya was murdered on 28 October 2025 when heavily armed terrorists invaded Farin Dutse village in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where he was serving as pastor. The attackers reportedly unleashed mayhem on the community, abducting more than 20 residents, including several HEKAN members, who remain in captivity.

The tragic incident has plunged both the community and the HEKAN Church into deep sorrow and fear.

A sombre funeral service was held at the EYN Church in Gulak, attended by family members, colleagues, church leaders, and members of the community who gathered to pay their last respects.

Leading the service, the President of the United Church of Christ in Nigeria, Reverend (Dr.) Amos Kiri, described the killing as inhumane, callous, and barbaric. He conveyed the church’s condolences to the deceased’s family, the Christian community, and all who mourn his passing.

Reverend Kiri reiterated the church’s earlier condemnation of the attack and the abduction of the 20 persons, calling for urgent action to secure their release.

This is the second attack on HEKAN members in less than a year. On 4 December 2024, bandits raided the same area, abducting 50 persons, including HEKAN members and their pastor, Reverend Francis Lawal. One of the victims reportedly died in captivity, while others, including Reverend Lawal, sustained injuries and required lengthy medical treatment following their release.

The HEKAN Church has again appealed to government at all levels to rise to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property across the country.

The funeral service was attended by several senior clergy, including the General Secretary of HEKAN, Reverend Acts Yunana, and the Chairman of the Ministers’ Council, Reverend Nicodemus Lambadaji.