KADUNA — Tragedy struck Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday night as suspected bandits attacked a wedding ceremony, killing at least 13 people and abducting several others in a brazen assault that has further heightened security concerns across rural communities in the state.
The attack, which occurred at about 11:47 p.m., reportedly threw the entire community into chaos as heavily armed assailants stormed the venue in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately on guests.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving multiple casualties in their wake. Several victims who sustained gunshot wounds were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those in critical condition were referred to medical facilities in Kaduna metropolis for advanced treatment.
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as “devastating and inhumane,” noting that the attackers not only killed and abducted residents but also looted shops in the area. Food items, provisions, and even medical supplies were carted away during the raid.
More Read
“The attackers came in large numbers and were heavily armed. They shot sporadically and caused panic everywhere. People ran in different directions trying to escape,” the source said.
The exact number of those abducted remains unclear as security agencies continue to assess the situation. Efforts by families and community members to establish contact with the kidnappers have so far been unsuccessful.
The victims have since been buried according to local customs, amid grief and outrage within the community.
More Read
A police source in Kagarko confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the attack, including the number of persons kidnapped.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, assured that a detailed report would be made available after preliminary findings are concluded.
The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Kaduna State and other parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry, kidnapping, and violent raids have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
Residents are now calling for increased security presence and urgent government intervention to prevent further attacks and restore confidence in the safety of their communities.
