Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Kaduna, Nigeria — Tragedy struck a Kaduna State political family late Wednesday night as Kefas Habila Averik, brother of Rachel Averik, Special Assistant on Political Affairs to the Governor of Kaduna State, was fatally shot by gunmen during a home invasion in Hayin Gada, Arak 1, Sanga Local Government Area. The attack occurred around midnight on December 31, 2025, leaving the community shaken and security authorities on high alert.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailants arrived at the residence under cover of darkness and began firing sporadically while demanding entry, calling on Kefas to open the door. The 33-year-old victim was inside the room with his wife, Joy, and their child at the time. Residents said Kefas refused to open the door, prompting the attackers to break a window, force their way in, and shoot him in the head before fleeing the scene.
A local resident recounted the harrowing incident: “Unknown gunmen entered the house and went straight to Kefas Habila Averik’s residence. He was inside the room with his wife and child. When he refused to open the door, they broke the window, shot him, and fled.”
Rachel Averik confirmed the death, describing it as sad and unfortunate, and recounted the courage of her brother in protecting his family. She said Kefas had instructed his wife to take their child into the bathroom to hide as the assailants attempted to force entry. “They were shining torches for a long time and shooting. Kefas was shouting, but nobody could come out because of the gunshots,” she said.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the killing, stating that investigations are ongoing. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Mansir Hassan assured the public that inquiries were being conducted and that further details would be released as they become available.
The timing of the attack has heightened concerns, coming exactly one year after Rachel Averik reportedly survived an assassination attempt in Southern Kaduna. The earlier attack occurred on January 2, 2025, along the Tsauni Majidadi–Gani axis in Sanga Local Government Area, while she was returning to Gwantu after a condolence visit and the commissioning of a hospital in Arak Chiefdom.
Security analysts have noted that the killing underscores persistent insecurity and targeted attacks in Southern Kaduna, a region that has experienced sporadic violence, including assassinations, kidnappings, and attacks on political figures. The incident raises urgent questions about protection for public officials and their families amid ongoing threats from armed actors.
Residents of Hayin Gada and surrounding communities have expressed shock and grief, describing Kefas Averik as a well-respected young man who lived peacefully with his family. Community leaders have called for intensified police presence and swift apprehension of the perpetrators to prevent further escalation of violence.
Authorities have urged calm and cooperation from the public while security agencies work to uncover the identities of the gunmen, their motives, and any possible connections to past attacks in the area. Analysts stress that improved intelligence gathering, community engagement, and proactive patrols are critical to preventing the recurrence of such targeted killings.
The killing of Kefas Habila Averik represents a devastating loss for his family and highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Kaduna State, particularly in Sanga Local Government Area and other parts of Southern Kaduna. Local and national authorities face renewed pressure to address insecurity and protect vulnerable individuals, especially families of public officials who may be targeted by violent actors.
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