Gunmen attacked a Kaduna wedding, killing 13 people, and kidnapping several others

Tragedy struck in Kaduna State after bandits launched a deadly attack on a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, leaving at least 13 people dead and several others kidnapped.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday evening at around 11:47 p.m., further raised concerns over worsening security challenges in rural areas of the state.

Witnesses said the attackers stormed the venue in large numbers, heavily armed, and started shooting indiscriminately, sending people present into panic. Several victims of gunshot wounds were initially rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those with serious injuries were referred to health facilities in Kaduna for further treatment.

A community leader revealed that the attackers remained in the area for almost an hour, during which time they not only committed murder but also looted shops, taking away food, provisions and medical supplies.

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The dead have been buried, while the family’s efforts to establish contact with the kidnappers have so far proven unsuccessful.

A police source in Kagarko confirmed the incident, and stated that security agencies were still trying to ascertain the exact number of those abducted. Spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, Hassan Mansur, assured that a comprehensive update would be provided once the initial investigation is completed.