Bandits invade Kaduna wedding, kill 13 in fresh Kagarko LG attack

IDIBIA GABRIEL, KADUNA

Suspected armed bandits have killed no fewer than 13 persons and abducted several others in a late-night attack after a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, KARGAKO LGA at about 11:47pm, has heightened serious concerns over the worsening security situation in rural communities across the state.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attackers, arrived in large numbers, armed with sophisticated weapons, at the wedding venue and opened fire on guests, causing panic and confusion, as they scampered for safety.

A resident of the area, Shehu Bala, confirmed that several victims sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while others with critical conditions were referred to Kaduna for advanced medical care.

He noted that the number of those abducted remains uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the attack.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the assailants operated for nearly one hour without resistance, also looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions and medical supplies.

The victims have since been buried, even as efforts to establish contact with the abductors were yet to yield results, according to eyewitnesses.

The attack forced many residents to flee their homes into nearby bushes as gunshots echoed across the community.

A police source in Kagarko confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies are still working to ascertain the exact number of those abducted.

The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the development, assuring that a comprehensive report would be made available after preliminary investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside Senator Sani Musa, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

The latest incident underscores growing insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, where several communities, including Janjala, have remained under persistent threat.

At least 14 persons abducted in the area three weeks ago are still being held in captivity, according to the local.