Gunmen kill commercial driver, abduct 8 passengers in Southern Kaduna
Terrorists
IDIBIA GABRIEL, KADUNA
Terrorists have reportedly killed a commercial driver and abducted eight passengers in an attack in Southern part of Kaduna State, heightening fears along rural routes in the constantly troubled zone.
The attack took place around 4:12 pm at the Sabon-Kurutu junction in Kachia Local Government Area of the state in an ambush laid by the assailants on Saturday in zone.
The bus driver, Joshua Atara, was traveling from Hayin-Dam community to Katari when the bandits emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire, according to eyewitness accounts.
A resident of Sabon-Kurutu, Muazu Garba, described how the attackers targeted the driver and shot him dead to halt the vehicle before dragging the passengers into the forest.
A community leader, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the targeted killing of the driver was deliberate to stop the bus to facilitate the abductions.
“Some of the passengers traveling to Katari were abducted instantly. Security operatives have since been alerted,” he said.
While a police source in the area acknowledged the attack occurred, they could not immediately confirm the driver’s death.
Attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Mansur Hassan, for official comments were unsuccessful, due to protocol.
The killing adds up to ongoing security concerns in Southern Kaduna, where bandits have frequently targeted travellers on isolated roads.
“The route between Hayin Dam and Sabon-Kurutu has been described as a high-risk “black spot” for such ambushes in recent reports.
No further details on the abducted victims or rescue efforts could be ascertained at the time of filing this report as state actors are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Recall that Kachia LG has border with Kajuru LG where its ex- chairman, Ibrahim Gajere and several other were killed and current Chairman escaped bandits’ attacks while returning from burial of late father of a State House of Assembly member from the area.
