A wedding celebration in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area, turned into a scene of terror late Sunday night, as suspected bandits stormed the venue, killing at least 13 people and abducting an undetermined number of guests.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic and terrifying attack that lasted nearly an hour, with gunmen firing indiscriminately inside the wedding hall. Shehu Bala, a local resident, recounted the harrowing ordeal: “The attackers arrived around 11:47 pm and began shooting. Two of my friends who were inside were injured during the attack. People were running everywhere.”
Several of the wounded were initially treated at Kagarko General Hospital, while those with severe injuries were evacuated to Kaduna for specialized care. A community leader confirmed the deaths and noted that the victims have since been buried. Efforts are ongoing to ascertain the number of individuals abducted.
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The assailants reportedly looted local shops during the attack, taking food items, provisions, and drugs from a community chemist. “The entire village was thrown into panic,” the community leader said, “with residents fleeing into the bush as the gunfire continued.”
Kaduna State Police have confirmed the attack. DSP Hassan Mansur, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, said authorities are still gathering information and promised a comprehensive report upon the conclusion of investigations.
In the aftermath, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited the injured at the hospital, offering support and condolences to victims’ families.
The incident has reignited concerns over escalating banditry and insecurity in Kaduna State, with residents calling for urgent government action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent such deadly attacks in the future.