Suspected bandits have killed at least 13 people after attacking a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred late Sunday night when the armed assailants stormed the venue and opened fire on guests gathered for the celebration, causing chaos and fear.
According to reports, the attackers, who were heavily armed, operated for nearly an hour without any form of resistance.
A resident, Shehu Bala, said the gunmen arrived at about 11:47 pm and immediately began shooting inside the wedding hall, sending guests into panic.
“In fact, there are two of my friends who were inside the hall that also sustained bullet injuries during the attack,” Daily Trust quoted him as saying.
Several injured victims were taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with more serious injuries were later transferred to Kaduna for further medical treatment.
A community leader confirmed that 13 people were killed in the attack, adding that the victims have been buried. He also stated that efforts are ongoing to determine the number of people abducted during the incident.
The attackers were also reported to have looted shops in the area, taking away food items, provisions, and medicines from a local chemist.
“The entire community was thrown into panic because of the heavy gunfire, forcing some residents to flee into the bush,” the community leader said.
Police authorities in Kagarko confirmed the incident and said they are still gathering details, particularly regarding the number of people kidnapped.
The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the killings and abductions, noting that a full report will be released after investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, along with a serving senator, was reported to have visited the injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.
