EYN reports lives lost and churches and homes burned in Kautikari attack

By Zakariya Musa, head of Media, Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria

In an ISWAP/Boko Haram attack on Kautikari town on Jan. 15, at least three people were killed and five people were abducted. Two churches of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and more than 20 houses were burned. Kautikari is one of many communities devastated in Chibok and other local government areas in Borno State, Nigeria, where churches and Christians are targeted.

Those killed in the attack were Joseph Shagula, age 57; Friday Abdu, 37; and Ayali Yahi, 30.

Those who were abducted included Lami Yarima, age 9; Naomi Titus, 18; Hauwa Gorobutu, 17; Rahab Thumur, 20; and 18-year-old Saratu, who has since escaped.

The churches that were burned were EYN No 1, Kautikari, which was recently rebuilt by concerned church members; and EYN LCC Mission Road, which was organized by EYN president Joel Billi in May 2021 as a Local Church Council (congregation).

In other losses during the attack, 26 houses were burned, 4 cars were burned, a car and a tricycle were stolen, and much additional property was lost.

Let us continue praying.

— Zakariya Musa is head of Media for Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). Yuguda Mdurvwa of the EYN disaster ministry also contributed to this report and provided the photos that accompany this article.