At least 13 people have been killed and several others abducted after armed bandits attacked a wedding celebration in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that efforts were ongoing to ascertain the full details, including the exact number of those abducted.
A community leader, Musa Adamu, said the attack occurred around 11:47 p.m. on Sunday when heavily armed gunmen stormed the venue in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately on guests.
Several attendees sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while critically injured victims were referred to medical facilities in Kaduna for further treatment.
Residents reported that the attackers operated for nearly an hour without resistance, during which they also looted nearby shops, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist.
Police authorities said a manhunt has been launched to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Kaduna is among several North-West states plagued by persistent banditry, alongside Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Katsina.
In addition to bandits, another armed group known as Lakurawa has been linked to attacks in parts of Kebbi and Sokoto states, where its members reportedly raid communities, rustle livestock, and impose illegal levies on residents.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security crisis involving multiple armed groups operating across the northern region, despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing the violence.
The insurgency has also spilled into neighbouring countries, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, prompting the formation of a regional military coalition, although its effectiveness has waned in recent years following Niger’s withdrawal after the 2023 coup.
Meanwhile, the United States recently began deploying troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support in the fight against insurgent groups, with about 200 personnel expected to participate in the mission.
