JUST IN: Bandits Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Bandits have attacked a wedding in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

A resident of Kagarko, Shehu Bala, confirmed the incident to reporter on Monday, saying it occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday.

He said the attackers, armed with AK-47 rifles and moving in large numbers, stormed the wedding hall and opened fire on the guests.

Several victims with gunshot wounds were rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, while two others with serious injuries were transferred to Kaduna for treatment.

“In fact, two of my friends who were inside the hall also sustained bullet injuries during the attack,” Bala said. “But the exact number of those kidnapped cannot be confirmed because of the sporadic shootings.”

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, also confirmed the attack. He listed some of the deceased 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.

The bandits, who remained unchallenged for nearly an hour, also raided shops, taking foodstuffs, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist.

The community leader said the victims have since been buried, while authorities are yet to make contact with the abductors.

“The entire community was thrown into pandemonium due to the gunfire that night; some people had to flee into the bush,” he added.

A police source at Kagarko confirmed the incident but said the exact number of abducted victims remains unknown.

When contacted, DSP Hassan Mansur, spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, confirmed the killings and abductions, adding that a full report will be issued once details are verified.

“Our command is still gathering information about what happened in Kahir community. A comprehensive report will be released once all details are available,” he said.

It was also gathered that the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, and Senator Sani Musa have visited the injured at the hospital in Kagarko.

Several communities, including Janjala, have recently been under siege by bandits. Fourteen people, including a vigilante operative and his wife who were abducted in the area three weeks ago, are still in captivity.