Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than 13 people have been killed and scores abducted following a brutal bandit attack on a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack, which occurred late Sunday night at about 11:47 p.m., has heightened fears over the worsening security situation in rural communities across the state.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants stormed the venue in large numbers, heavily armed, and began shooting indiscriminately at guests, throwing the celebration into chaos.
Many guests sustained gunshot wounds in the process.
Injured victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while those with severe injuries were referred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
A community leader disclosed that the attackers operated for nearly an hour, during which they looted shops, carting away food items, provisions, and medical supplies.
The deceased have since been buried, while efforts to establish contact with the kidnappers have so far proved unsuccessful.
A police source in Kagarko confirmed the incident, noting that security agencies are still working to ascertain the exact number of abducted victims.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, said a comprehensive report would be released after preliminary investigations are concluded.
