Shock as bandits gun down wedding guests in Kaduna, kill scores in Plateau 

Communities in Kaduna and Plateau states were thrown into panic over the weekend as armed bandits launched deadly attacks, killing dozens and abducting several residents.

In Kaduna State, the violence struck Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area during a wedding ceremony late Sunday night. Witnesses said the attackers, reportedly wielding AK-47 rifles, stormed the event around 11:47 pm, opening fire on the guests. At least 13 people were killed, while an unspecified number of attendees were abducted.

A local resident, Shehu Bala, told reporters that several victims were rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, with two others transferred to Kaduna for treatment due to the severity of their injuries. “Some of my friends were inside the hall and sustained gunshot wounds. The attackers operated freely for nearly an hour, and it’s difficult to determine the exact number of those kidnapped,” Bala said.

The deceased have been identified as 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 community leader confirmed that bandits also looted nearby shops, carting away foodstuffs and medical supplies from a chemist. “The entire community was thrown into pandemonium; some residents had to flee into the bush,” he said.

Kaduna State police spokesperson, DSP Hassan Mansur, confirmed the killings and abductions, adding that a comprehensive report would be released once details are verified. Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and Senator Sani Musa visited victims at Kagarko General Hospital.

Meanwhile, in Plateau State, another deadly attack claimed 14 lives in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area. Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah said the command is trailing the attackers and urged residents to provide information to aid investigations.

According to Police Public Relations Officer SP Alabo Alfred, 12 victims were initially found at the scene, with two more bodies recovered from nearby bushes. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles around 7:30 pm, opening fire indiscriminately and causing widespread panic.

The President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, however, suggested the death toll could be higher, with up to 27 people feared dead, including victims who succumbed to injuries in hospitals after the attack.

In both Kaduna and Plateau, security agencies have deployed additional personnel to affected areas to prevent further violence. Authorities have also called for calm and urged residents to cooperate with ongoing operations.

These attacks underscore the growing security challenges facing northern and central Nigeria, with residents and community leaders calling for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed.