By Palang Paul
An eyewitness has recounted how armed bandits stormed a church during the deadly attack on Naridon community, mocking worshippers with a song claiming the church had nobody.
The incident occurred late Sunday, July 26, 2026, when armed assailants invaded Naridon in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State Nigeria’s Middle Belt, killing at least 30 Christians residents and setting several houses ablaze.
Speaking to Newsmen, the eyewitness said the attackers forced their way into a church during the assault and began singing a derisive song as they moved through the community.
“Bandits broke into the church, began singing mockery song that the church has nobody,” the witness recounted, describing the incident as one of the most traumatic moments of the attack.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community around 11:30pm, opening fire on residents and setting homes ablaze as families fled for safety.
By Monday morning, July 27, residents were left searching for loved ones and recovering the bodies of victims from the ruins of the attack.
Community sources, Ibrahim John and Mallam Katuka, told journalists that the death toll could rise as more bodies were recovered, with at least 30 corpses reportedly found so far.
At least seven other residents were said to have sustained injuries and were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital due to security concerns.
Daniel Sunday alleged that soldiers stationed less than five miles from Naridon failed to respond while the attack was ongoing, allowing the assailants to move from house to house.
He alleged that the attackers killed women and children inside their homes before setting buildings on fire and fleeing the community.
Another resident also claimed that security personnel arrived only after the attackers had left, remaining in the area briefly before departing.
The alleged delay in the security response has heightened concerns among residents, who say the attack exposed the vulnerability of communities in the area despite the presence of security personnel nearby.
The Naridon attack adds to a growing pattern of violence affecting communities across Southern Kaduna, where residents have faced killings, arson and abductions amid persistent insecurity.
The incident also came amid reports that at least eight hostages abducted from Ariko and Awon communities in Kachia Local Government Area died in captivity after spending more than three months in the hands of their captors.
The latest attack has left families mourning their loved ones, while survivors remain traumatised by the violence and destruction inflicted on the community.
Residents and community leaders have called on the Kaduna State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently reinforce security in the area and take decisive measures to prevent further attacks.
Palang Paul reports on Security and Conflict for The Nigeria Times.
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