Bandits storm Southern Kaduna, kill four, abduct 11 in fresh attack

Terrorists locally referred to as bandits have killed four people and abducted 11 others in coordinated attacks across Kachia and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, deepening concerns over rising insecurity in rural communities.

Residents told Very Nigerian that the attacks occurred between Saturday and Monday, targeting several villages despite alleged pressure on communities in Southern Kaduna to downplay recurring violent incidents.

In Kachia Local Government Area, the attackers reportedly stormed Mafofadiya and Zagom Mazuga villages between Sunday and Monday, killing a resident identified as Joel Dauda and abducting several others, including Leo Bakut, Kefas Hilary, Vitoria Leo, Cristiana Joel, Iseal Joel, Hannatu Iseal and Isreal James.

In a separate incident in Kajuru Local Government Area, bandits invaded Kallah and Kufana villages between Saturday and Sunday, killing two residents identified as Jagora Dabo and Misali Adamu, while abducting four others.

Residents said among those kidnapped were the pregnant wife of the slain Jagora Dabo and their children, adding that entire families were affected by the attacks.

Another person was also reportedly killed in Kufana village, though the identity of the victim had not been confirmed at the time of filing the report.

The fresh wave of violence has heightened fear across Southern Kaduna communities, where residents say attacks have become frequent but are often underreported.

The situation has also reignited debate over the effectiveness of government security strategies, including non-kinetic approaches such as dialogue and rehabilitation programmes aimed at persuading armed groups to abandon violence.

Community members have called on security agencies to intensify operations, strengthen protection of rural settlements and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice amid growing concerns over safety in the region.

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