13 killed, scores abducted as bandits attack wedding ceremony in Kaduna

At least 13 people have been killed and several others abducted after suspected bandits attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack, which occurred late Sunday night at about 11:47 p.m., has heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in rural communities across the state.

Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed, stormed the wedding venue and opened fire indiscriminately on guests.

A resident, Shehu Bala, said the нападение threw the community into chaos as attendees fled for safety.

“They came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions. Many were hit by bullets,” Bala said.

He added that several victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those with more severe injuries were referred to facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

Bala also noted that the exact number of abducted persons remains unclear due to the confusion that followed the attack.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance from security forces.

“They attacked the wedding and later moved around the village, looting shops and carting away food items, provisions and even medical supplies,” the source said.

According to him, many residents fled into nearby bushes as gunshots echoed throughout the area.

The victims have since been buried, while efforts to establish contact with the abductors have so far been unsuccessful.

Some of those confirmed dead 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, and Francis Unguwa Doya.

A police source in Kagarko confirmed the incident, adding that security agencies have begun efforts to determine the number of abducted victims and track down the perpetrators.

The spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, assuring that a detailed report would be released after preliminary investigations.

“We are aware of the incident, and investigations are ongoing. A comprehensive report will be released in due course,” Mansur said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, alongside Senator Sani Musa, visited injured victims receiving treatment at a hospital in Kagarko.

Hospital sources indicated that some of the victims are responding to treatment, while others remain in critical condition.

The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in parts of Kaduna State, where several communities continue to face repeated attacks by bandits. Residents have repeatedly called on authorities to intensify efforts to curb the violence and safeguard lives and property.

Findings also indicate that at least 14 persons abducted in nearby communities three weeks ago remain in captivity, raising further concerns about their safety.

As of press time, security operatives were combing surrounding forests in search of the attackers and those abducted.