Bandits Kidnap Six Worshippers During Ramadan Taraweeh Prayers in Kaduna Mosque
In a brazen attack that has shocked the community, armed bandits abducted six Muslim worshippers during Taraweeh prayers at a mosque in Kaduna State. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 28, 2026, in the Azara community, located within the Kachia local government area.
Details of the Attack and Victims
The gunmen invaded the mosque while worshippers were observing the special Ramadan night prayers, shooting sporadically into the air to instill fear. They whisked away six adults, comprising four men and two women, as confirmed by local resident Tanimu Ibrahim. According to reports from Daily Trust, the bandits also abducted two additional persons from another house while fleeing the area, but these two victims managed to escape as they were being led into the bush.
A community leader identified the kidnapped individuals as Saifullahi Harisu, Yakubu Yunusa, Abba Minkailu, Yusha’u Sadiku, Maryam Abdullahi, and Aisha Yakubu. The leader disclosed that the kidnappers established contact on Friday morning, February 27, 2026, demanding a ransom of N30 million for the release of the victims. The bandits' leader reportedly called around 11 am, made the demand, and immediately switched off the phone, leaving families in distress.
Police Response and Broader Context
At the time of reporting, the state police spokesperson, ASP Hassan Mansur, had not yet commented on the attack. This incident adds to a series of violent acts targeting worshippers in Nigeria. For instance, in a related event, suspected Lakurawa terrorists killed four worshippers during prayer in a mosque in Kebbi State, an attack believed to be retaliation for a foiled military ambush earlier in the week.
Authorities have promised intensified operations to track down the assailants and restore calm, but such promises have often been met with skepticism due to the persistent nature of banditry and terrorism in the region. The attack underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by communities, particularly during religious observances like Ramadan.
Impact on the Community and National Concerns
The kidnapping has caused significant tension and fear among residents, highlighting the vulnerability of places of worship. It also raises concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in rural areas. This event is part of a broader pattern of bandit activities in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common, targeting civilians, including students, travelers, and now worshippers.
As the situation develops, families of the victims are left grappling with the emotional and financial burden of the ransom demand, while the community calls for urgent action from security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals and prevent future incidents.
