Bandits Unleash Terror on Kaduna Wedding, Leaving 13 Dead and Multiple Abducted
In a horrifying incident that has shocked the nation, armed bandits launched a brutal attack on a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The assault occurred on the night of Sunday, March 29, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least thirteen guests and the abduction of an unspecified number of others.
Chaos and Carnage at the Celebration
Eyewitness accounts confirm that the attackers, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the wedding venue without warning. They opened fire indiscriminately inside the hall, turning a joyous celebration into a scene of terror and bloodshed. The sudden and violent nature of the attack left attendees scrambling for safety as bullets flew.
Several individuals sustained severe gunshot wounds during the onslaught. Emergency responders rushed the injured to Kagarko General Hospital for urgent medical attention. Due to the critical condition of two victims, they were subsequently transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced care.
Community Leader Reveals Victims' Identities and Details
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, provided a harrowing account of the events. He disclosed the names of some of those killed, which include:
- 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
- Francis Unguwa Doya
The bandits operated unchallenged for nearly an hour, not only attacking the wedding but also looting local shops. They stole food supplies, provisions, and medications from a chemist within the community, compounding the tragedy with theft.
Aftermath: Burial and Ongoing Uncertainty
In the wake of the attack, the deceased have been laid to rest, as confirmed by the community leader. However, the situation remains fraught with uncertainty, as no contact has been established with the abductors of the kidnapped victims. The exact number of those taken remains unknown, adding to the anguish of families and the community.
The community leader described the scene as one of utter pandemonium, with residents fleeing into the bush to escape the sporadic gunfire that echoed through the night. The entire area was thrown into chaos, leaving deep psychological scars on the survivors.
Police Response and Official Statements
A police source from the Kagarko division corroborated the incident, acknowledging the kidnappings but noting that authorities are still working to determine the precise number of abductees. When contacted, DSP Hassan Mansur, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed both the killings and abductions.
He assured the public that the command is actively investigating the matter and will issue a comprehensive report later in the day. This attack underscores the persistent security challenges in the region, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced measures to protect civilians from such brazen acts of violence.
