Bandits have once again struck in Kaduna State, abducting nine residents in a fresh assault on Rafin Roro village, Kajuru Local Government Area, late Wednesday night.
According to local sources, the attackers stormed the community around midnight, shooting indiscriminately to instill fear. The traditional ruler of the village, Mallam Adamu Auta, narrowly escaped, but nine members of his immediate and extended family were taken away by the gunmen.
Residents say the attackers have been operating freely in the area, frequently kidnapping locals and rustling cattle — incidents that often go unreported due to fear and poor communication networks.
This latest attack comes barely 24 hours after seven people were abducted in Bukkah community, Chikun Local Government Area, following a similar raid marked by heavy gunfire. Victims of that assault were identified as Mohammed Rufai, Sagiru Musa, Bala Usman, Aisha’atu Usman, Bilkisu Isiya, Sa’adiya Usman, and Wasila Usman.
Earlier in the week, another group of bandits kidnapped an Anglican priest, Reverend Edwin Achi, and his wife, Sarah, from their home in Nissi village, also in Chikun LGA. Church members expressed frustration that such incidents rarely receive attention or prompt government response.
Kaduna State has continued to experience recurring bandit attacks, with communities across Kajuru, Chikun, and Birnin Gwari LGAs bearing the brunt. Just last week, two police officers were killed in an assault on the Divisional Police Headquarters in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf LGA.
In a separate attack two weeks ago, nine villagers, including three minors, were killed in Layin Danauta village, Birnin Gwari LGA. The slain children were said to be daughters of a local trader, Alhaji Salisu Maiwada, while several others sustained critical injuries.
Residents are calling for urgent government intervention, as insecurity continues to escalate across southern Kaduna with little sign of reprieve.
