Bandits Storm Wedding Party, Kill 13 Guests in Kaduna

Bandits Storm Wedding Party, Kill 13 Guests in Kaduna

Tragedy struck in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, after armed bandits invaded a wedding celebration late Sunday night, killing 13 guests and abducting several others.

Residents said the attackers, who arrived in large numbers and armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the venue at about 11:47 p.m., opening fire on guests gathered inside the hall.

A local resident, Shehu Bala, who spoke by telephone on Monday, said the shooting caused panic as people scrambled for safety.

“In fact, there are two of my friends who were inside the hall that also sustained bullet injuries during the attack,” he said. “But one cannot ascertain the number of those that were kidnapped because of the sporadic shootings.”

Several injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko for treatment, while two others with critical injuries were referred to Kaduna for further medical care.

A community leader, who requested anonymity, confirmed the incident and listed those killed as 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.

He added that the assailants operated for nearly an hour without resistance, during which they also looted shops, carting away food items, provisions and drugs from a local chemist.

According to him, the victims have since been buried, while efforts to establish contact with the kidnappers have yet to yield results.

“The entire community was thrown into pandemonium due to the heavy gunfire. Some residents had to flee into the bush for safety,” the community leader said.

A police source in Kagarko confirmed the attack, including the abduction of several persons, but noted that the exact number of those taken remains unclear.

The spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also acknowledged the incident, saying the command was still gathering details and would release a comprehensive report.

The latest attack adds to growing insecurity in parts of southern Kaduna, where communities such as Janjala have reportedly come under repeated assaults by bandits. Residents say at least 14 persons, including a vigilante member and his wife, abducted weeks ago in the area, are still being held captive.