At least 13 persons have been killed and several others abducted following an attack by suspected bandits on a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The late-night assault, which occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, has heightened concerns over rising insecurity in rural communities across the state.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the venue in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately on guests.
A resident, Shehu Bala, described the scene as chaotic.
“They came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions. Many were hit by bullets,” he said.
Several victims reportedly sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those critically injured were referred to facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader, who spoke anonymously, said the attackers operated for nearly an hour without resistance, moving through the village to loot shops and cart away food items, provisions and medical supplies.
“They attacked the wedding and later moved around the village, looting shops,” the source said.
Residents were said to have fled into nearby bushes as gunshots echoed across the community.
Security sources confirmed that investigations were ongoing to determine the number of abducted persons and track down the perpetrators.
The spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, Hassan Mansur, acknowledged the incident, stating that a detailed report would be released after preliminary findings.
“We are aware of the incident, and investigations are ongoing. A comprehensive report will be released in due course,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe, alongside Sani Musa, visited injured victims receiving treatment in Kagarko.
Hospital sources indicated that while some victims were responding to treatment, others remained in critical condition.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Kaduna State, where communities have faced repeated assaults by bandits. Residents have continued to call for stronger security measures as fears grow over those abducted and others still held captive from previous attacks.
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