Bandits Strike Kaduna Again, Kidnap Four Days After Mass Abduction
Barely five days after 177 Christian worshippers were abducted in Kurmin Wali, bandits have struck again in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, reportedly kidnapping four people.
The victims were said to be travelling from Maro Market on Friday evening when armed men intercepted them along the Maro–Kajuru axis.
A community source, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons, confirmed the incident.
According to the source, the victims were travelling in a Peugeot Boxer with registration number DKA 680 ZY (Kaduna) when the attackers forced them into the bush shortly after Kuturu Buzu, just a few kilometres from Kurmin Wali.
“The victims were on their way back from purchasing items at Maro Market when the bandits attacked and dragged them into the bush,” the source said.
The latest abduction has heightened fear among residents of Kajuru and neighbouring communities, who are already alarmed by the growing wave of kidnappings and the apparent impunity of bandits in the area.
Attempts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
Residents are calling on security agencies to intervene urgently to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, insecurity continues to spread across northern Nigeria. Residents of Southern Maska in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State recently raised alarm over escalating attacks, despite several peace agreements reportedly brokered between local authorities and bandit groups.
Communities along the axis, including Unguwar Mailaya, Asharaha, Burma, Gobirawa, Gwangwari, Dan Tudu, Tudun Maje, Kurku, Ganwai, Yar Tasha, Gursudu, Batarawa, Gidan Alhaji Koshe, Dan Kunsai, Hayin Gishiri, Unguwar Dini, Gidan Soda, Yambu, and others, have been repeatedly targeted with killings, kidnappings, and theft of livestock and valuables, forcing many residents to flee.
“As recently as two nights ago, gunmen attempted to invade Unguwar Mailaya but were repelled by residents. They later moved to Kauran Fawa in Dandume Local Government Area, where they reportedly killed eight people,” a source said.
Locals also allege that bandits have grown increasingly bold, reportedly calling villagers directly to issue threats and demand payments, known as haraji.
“The bandits call people on the phone, threatening them and demanding money. We don’t see enough security personnel here, and that is why they are bold,” a resident said.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
