Bandits Abduct Chief Imam, Fulani Leader and Woman in Kaduna's Kagarko LGA
In a distressing escalation of violence, bandits have abducted three prominent individuals in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims include Malam Bello Abdullahi, the Chief Imam of the Janjala Central Mosque, Alhaji Shehu Bello, a respected Fulani leader in the community, and an unnamed woman.
Recent Wave of Attacks in Multiple Communities
According to reports, this incident is part of a broader pattern of banditry that has plagued the region in recent days. Bandits have invaded several communities, including Iddo, Gidan-Makeri, Kohoto, and Janjala, resulting in the abduction of numerous residents and the rustling of cattle. The situation has created a climate of fear and instability across these areas.
Community Displacement and Ultimatum Threats
The attacks have forced significant displacement among local residents. For instance, following a seven-day ultimatum issued by bandits demanding N6 million for the release of a vigilante's wife and four children, residents of Kohoto fled their homes on Saturday. This ultimatum highlights the coercive tactics employed by the criminals to extort money from vulnerable communities.
Details of the Latest Abduction Incident
A community leader confirmed the latest abduction via telephone on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, revealing that the bandits struck again on Tuesday around 9pm. The gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles and arriving in large numbers, first targeted the Chief Imam's residence before moving to the home of the Fulani leader. The woman was also taken during this coordinated assault.
The invasion has thrown the entire community into confusion, prompting many residents to flee. "Even as I am talking to you right now, several people have fled their houses to Kagarko town, while others are in Sabon-Wuse staying with relatives," the community leader stated.
Frustration Over Lack of Security Response
The community leader expressed deep frustration over the repeated attacks, noting that multiple distress calls to security operatives have gone unanswered. "Our people are under siege. We have tried to reach out to the security operatives in Kagarko about the bandits attacking our people for over a week now, but nothing has been done," he lamented.
This sentiment was echoed by a source at the Kagarko Emirate Council, who requested anonymity for security reasons. The source confirmed the attacks and disclosed that the palace had reported the situation to the Kagarko Local Government Authority, emphasizing the lack of a swift security response.
"It is distressing that for over a week, several communities under Kagarko have been under siege, and security operatives are not responding despite distress calls," the source alleged. The source added that some displaced persons from Kohoto and Janjala are currently taking refuge at the palace.
Calls for Action and Restoration of Normalcy
The palace has stated that, having reported the matter to the local government authority, it expects security forces to be deployed to pursue the bandits and restore normalcy to the displaced communities. However, a police source in the area, while confirming the latest attack, declined further comment and referred inquiries to the command's headquarters in Kaduna.
This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State, where banditry continues to disrupt lives and threaten community cohesion. The abduction of religious and community leaders adds a layer of complexity to the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention to protect citizens and ensure their safety.
