At least 13 people were killed and several others abducted after heavily armed terrorists stormed a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday night.
According to reports, the assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles, attacked the venue at around 11:47 pm, opening fire on guests and throwing the community into panic.
A resident, Shehu Bala, told journalists that the attackers arrived in large numbers and fired indiscriminately inside the wedding hall. “Some victims were rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, while two with severe injuries were taken to Kaduna,” he said. He added that the exact number of abducted individuals remains unclear due to the chaos.
A community leader confirmed the identities of some of the deceased, including 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 attackers reportedly operated for nearly an hour without resistance, looting shops in the community and taking food, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist. Many residents reportedly fled into the bush for safety.
Police sources confirmed the killings and abductions but said details were still sketchy. DSP Hassan Mansur, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, stated that a comprehensive report would be made available after a full assessment.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and Senator Sani Musa visited injured victims at Kagarko General Hospital following the attack.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent incursions in the area. Communities such as Janjala have remained under siege, with at least 14 people abducted three weeks ago still in captivity.
The local authorities continue efforts to establish contact with the abductors and secure the release of the victims.
Margaret ABAH
