Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Bornet .k
A 43-year-old man has been killed in a reported armed attack on Ehwakya community in Ugom, Maro Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, renewing concern over persistent insecurity in the area.
The reported attack occurred on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at Ehwakya community under Ugom in Maro Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area. The victim was identified by the Ugom Progressive Union as Mr Sonny Musa Joshua.
The chairman of the Ugom Progressive Union, Onnusim Alhaji Ishaya, said Mr Joshua was shot during the attack. He described the killing as the latest in a long pattern of violence, kidnappings, displacement and destruction suffered by communities in Ugom.
No public statement confirming the incident had been issued by the Kaduna State Police Command, the Kaduna State Government or the Nigerian military at the time of filing this report.
The account from the community union said armed attackers entered Ehwakya and shot Mr Joshua, leaving residents in mourning and fear. The union referred to the attackers as terrorists, while official security agencies had not publicly identified those responsible.
The killing has drawn fresh attention to the vulnerability of rural communities in Kajuru Local Government Area, where residents have repeatedly reported attacks, abductions and threats to their homes, farms and livelihoods.
Mr Ishaya said the incident came barely three weeks after a separate attack on Ihwosho, also known as Unguwar Rogo, another community under Ugom.
According to the union, eight residents were abducted during the 18 August attack on Ihwosho. Those taken were said to include five women and three nursing children.
The fate of the abducted residents was not immediately clear. The Ugom Progressive Union called for urgent action to secure their release and protect communities that remain exposed to further attacks.
Ihwosho has reportedly experienced displacement in the past, with residents forced to leave their homes because of insecurity. Some people were said to have taken refuge in nearby bushes while trying to continue farming despite the danger.
For communities that depend largely on farming, repeated attacks have consequences that go far beyond immediate casualties. Families may lose access to their land, harvests, food stores and income, while children may be unable to attend school safely.
Ehwakya has also been affected by attacks over several years, according to the community leadership. Mr Ishaya said the latest killing should not be treated as an isolated incident but as part of a wider and unresolved security crisis affecting Ugom.
The union said residents had repeatedly appealed to government authorities and security agencies for stronger protection. It urged the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and security agencies to take urgent and practical steps to restore safety.
The statement called for increased security deployments in Ugom and other vulnerable communities in Kajuru. It also asked authorities to support the return of displaced residents to their ancestral homes.
Kajuru Local Government Area has been among parts of Kaduna State affected by insecurity in recent years. Rural communities have faced armed attacks, kidnappings for ransom, destruction of property and the displacement of families.
The security situation has created deep uncertainty for residents. People travelling between settlements, going to farms, visiting markets or attending social gatherings can face risks, particularly in remote areas with limited security presence.
Residents often say they are caught between the need to remain cautious and the need to earn a living. Farming seasons cannot wait indefinitely, but cultivating land can become dangerous where attackers move through forests and rural routes.
The death of Mr Joshua has brought grief to his family and neighbours. Community leaders expressed condolences to those close to him and called for justice, protection and lasting security measures.
The union said people should be able to live in their homes, farm their land, raise children and travel without fear of violent attack or abduction. It described the situation as both a humanitarian and security emergency.
The distinction is important because attacks affect not only those killed or abducted. Survivors may be displaced, traumatised or left without shelter, food, income and access to health care.
Children are particularly vulnerable when communities are attacked. Families may be separated, schools may be disrupted and young people may be forced to live in fear after witnessing violence or losing relatives.
Women and nursing mothers who are abducted face additional risks, while relatives are often left struggling to obtain information and meet possible ransom demands. The reported abduction of women and nursing children from Ihwosho has added to concern in Ugom.
Community leaders say that protection should include rapid responses to distress calls, intelligence gathering, regular patrols and support for communities already displaced by violence.
They also want security agencies to investigate attacks thoroughly and identify those responsible. Without credible investigations and accountability, residents fear that armed groups will continue to move freely and target isolated settlements.
The Kaduna State Government and security agencies have previously said they are working to improve security across areas affected by banditry and other forms of armed violence. The latest report from Ugom is likely to increase pressure for visible action in Kajuru.
Authorities face the challenge of securing a large and often difficult terrain, where roads can be poor and remote settlements may be far from police stations or military bases.
However, communities say geographical difficulties cannot become a reason for leaving residents without protection. They argue that early-warning systems, local intelligence and coordinated operations can help prevent attacks before they occur.
The Ugom Progressive Union’s appeal reflects the frustration of people who say they have endured repeated violence and displacement without a lasting solution. Its statement calls on authorities to treat the situation with urgency.
As investigations and security assessments continue, the reported killing of Mr Joshua remains a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity in rural Kaduna communities.
Stone Reporters News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if police, military authorities, the Kaduna State Government or community leaders release further verified information.
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