Bandits stormed a wedding party in Kahir village, Kaduna state, killing 13 people and abducting an unknown number. The attack occurred around 11:47 pm on Sunday, according to Shehu Bala, a resident of Kagarko, who confirmed the incident through a telephone call on Monday. Bala stated that the bandits, wielding A-K 47 rifles, stormed the wedding venue, firing in the hall. Several people with bullet injuries were rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, while two others with severe injuries were taken to Kaduna.
A community leader, who wished to remain anonymous, also confirmed the incident and provided the names of some of those killed: Bako Danjuma, Williams Luka, Peter Williams, Joseph Yakubu, Victor Peter, John Dan Asabe, Angulu Markus, Maikano Aribi, Douglas John Ado Yakubu, Zaphaniah Alhaji, Joseph Kaddah, and Francis Unguwa Doya. The bandits operated unchallenged for nearly an hour, invading shops and stealing food, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist.
The community leader stated that those killed have been buried, and a contact has yet to be established with the abductors. The entire community was thrown into chaos due to the sporadic shooting, with some people fleeing into the bush. A police source at the Kagarko division confirmed the incident, but the actual number of abductees remains unknown. Kaduna state police command spokesperson, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the abduction and killings, stating that a comprehensive report will be issued later in the day.
The brazen attack on a wedding party in Kaduna state is a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity threatening communities across the country. The fact that the bandits operated unchallenged for nearly an hour highlights the inadequacies in our security response. The deputy governor's visit to the injured victims at Kagarko General Hospital underscores the gravity of the situation. With 14 people still in captivity, including a vigilante operative and his wife, it is imperative that the authorities take decisive action to rescue the victims and bring an end to these senseless attacks.
