Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unknown number of guests.

 

The attack occurred late on Sunday night when the assailants stormed the venue and opened fire on people gathered for the celebration.

 

Reports said the attackers, who were heavily armed, operated for nearly an hour without resistance.

 

A resident, Shehu Bala, said the gunmen arrived around 11:47 pm and began shooting inside the wedding hall, causing panic among guests.

 

“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 rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with more serious wounds were transferred to Kaduna for further treatment.

 

A community leader confirmed that 13 people died in the attack. He said the victims have since been buried, while efforts are ongoing to determine the number of those abducted.

 

According to him, the attackers also looted shops in the area, taking food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

 

“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 but said they are still gathering details, especially regarding the number of people kidnapped.

 

The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the killings and abductions, adding that a full report will be released after investigations are completed.

 

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, and a serving senator were reported to have visited the injured victims at the hospital in Kagarko.