Bandits Abduct Six Worshippers During Taraweeh Prayers in Kaduna Mosque
In a shocking incident that has heightened security concerns, bandits abducted six worshippers during Taraweeh prayers at a mosque in the Azara community, located within Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack occurred on Thursday, as confirmed by local sources, underscoring the persistent threat of criminal activities in the region.
Details of the Attack
Tanimu Ibrahim, a resident of Azara, provided an account of the event to Daily Trust on Monday, March 2. According to Ibrahim, the bandits infiltrated the community while residents were engaged in Taraweeh prayers, a special nightly prayer observed during the holy month of Ramadan. The assailants fired shots sporadically into the air, creating panic before seizing six adults—four men and two women—from the mosque premises.
As the bandits fled the area, they conducted a secondary raid on another house, abducting two additional individuals. However, these two victims managed to escape while being led into the bush. Ibrahim remarked, "Two other victims were abducted, but as God would have it, they narrowly escaped on their way into the forest."
Victims and Ransom Demand
A community leader, who requested anonymity, confirmed the abduction and identified the six primary victims as:
- Saifullahi Harisu
- Yakubu Yunusa
- Abba Minkailu
- Yusha’u Sadiku
- Maryam Abdullahi
- Aisha Yakubu
The leader further disclosed that the abductors established contact on Friday morning, around 11 am, with the bandits' leader calling to demand a ransom of N30 million for the release of the captives. After making the demand, the caller immediately switched off the phone, leaving the community in a state of distress and uncertainty.
Police Response and Community Impact
A police source in the area acknowledged the abduction but declined to provide further details, directing inquiries to the state police command in Kaduna. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in combating banditry and kidnapping in Kaduna State, which has seen a surge in such attacks in recent years.
The abduction during Taraweeh prayers has sent shockwaves through the Azara community, raising fears about the safety of religious gatherings and the broader security situation. Residents are calling for increased security measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in rural areas and the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement and community vigilance to protect citizens from such brazen acts of violence.
