A deadly attack by armed bandits has left at least 13 people dead and several others abducted during a wedding celebration in Kahir village, Kaduna State, with scores more injured.
Authorities said the incident occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday, when a large group of gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons stormed the wedding venue, opening fire indiscriminately on guests.
Several victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those with critical injuries were transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna.
A local community leader, Musa Adamu, described the assailants as operating for nearly an hour without resistance. During the attack, they reportedly looted nearby shops, seizing food, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist.
Police authorities confirmed the attack and said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Kaduna is among several states in Nigeria’s North-West region plagued by violent gangs known as bandits, alongside Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina.
In addition to terrorists, the Lakurawa militant group has been blamed for raids in parts of Kebbi and Sokoto, targeting communities, rustling livestock, and imposing illicit levies.
The Nigerian federal government, with support from the United States military, conducted an airstrike in Sokoto last Christmas targeting bandit gangs and militant elements.
Despite ongoing military crackdowns, the region continues to face persistent insecurity, exacerbated by other armed groups operating in the north.
The violence has also spilled into neighboring countries Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the formation of a regional military coalition. However, the effort has stalled in recent years, following Niger’s withdrawal after a diplomatic dispute with Nigeria after its 2023 coup.
Earlier this month, the United States began deploying troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to local forces combating jihadist and armed groups. The US Africa Command said 200 troops are expected to join the deployment.
The attack in Kahir highlights the ongoing security crisis in northern Nigeria, where civilian communities remain vulnerable to deadly raids despite military interventions.
About the Author
