In a fresh wave of violence, suspected bandits stormed Sabon Gyero community in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, early Monday morning, leaving one person dead and abducting seven others.
According to a local source, the attackers, who struck in large numbers during the pre-dawn hours, first raided a residence, abducting three women and four children.
The assailants also targeted a phone-charging centre, where they shot and killed a young man identified as Abdullahi Lawal, popularly known as “Kurma.” Lawal, who was deaf and mute, was reportedly shot in the head. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical attention.
During the attack, bandits looted several mobile phones and laptops from the charging centre. Lawal was later buried in Sabon Gyero according to Islamic rites.
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Speaking to journalists, Commandant of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the area, Uwaisu Yunusa, said the security team responded promptly after hearing gunshots and pursued the assailants but could not apprehend them.
“Members of the task force responded after hearing gunshots and attempted to pursue the attackers but were unable to catch up with them,” Yunusa said.
Authorities confirmed that one of the kidnapped women was released by the bandits due to health complications. Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining six abductees.
Residents of Sabon Gyero expressed fear and frustration over repeated attacks in the area, urging security agencies to intensify patrols and improve response strategies to prevent further loss of life and property.
Experts say the persistent raids by bandits in Kaduna State reflect widening security gaps in rural communities, emphasizing the need for increased intelligence gathering, rapid response, and community engagement to curb the growing menace.