Armed bandits have attacked Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, injuring one person and abducting several residents.
The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday, March 2, at about 12:30 a.m. According to a security source, the gunmen stormed the quiet farming community and began shooting into the air and at houses, causing fear and confusion among villagers.
Residents said the sound of gunshots forced many people to run into nearby bushes for safety, while others were taken away by the attackers.
Two members of the community, Yusuf Abdulwahab and Idris Ahmed, later reported the incident at the divisional police headquarters in Kagarko. They brought along a 25-year-old victim, Shamsu Adamu, who suffered a gunshot wound to his stomach during the attack.
“The victim was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Kagarko, for medical attention,” the source said.
At the time of filing this report, the exact number of people abducted was still unknown. Families of the missing residents are said to be in distress, waiting for news about their loved ones.
After receiving the report, security agencies quickly moved into action. A joint security team made up of the police, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups was mobilised to the area.
The team began combing the bushes and surrounding forests in search of the attackers and the kidnapped victims.
“The bushes around the community were combed in an effort to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” the security source added.
Local vigilante members, who know the terrain well, joined in the search efforts. However, as of press time, there was no confirmation of any arrests or rescue.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major problem in many parts of northern Nigeria, especially in rural communities where security presence is limited. Bandits often attack villages at night, shooting sporadically to scare residents before abducting people.
Community leaders in Kagarko have called on the government to strengthen security in the area. They said frequent attacks are affecting farming activities and forcing some families to consider relocating to safer towns.
“We are tired of living in fear,” a resident said. “We cannot sleep peacefully at night.”
Kaduna State has faced repeated cases of banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on villages in recent years. Several local government areas, including Kagarko, Birnin Gwari, and Chikun, have experienced similar incidents.
Bandits are criminal groups known for attacking communities, rustling cattle, and kidnapping people for ransom. They often operate from forest areas and strike without warning.
In the past few years, both federal and state governments have launched military operations to tackle insecurity in the North-West region. Troops have been deployed to forests believed to serve as hideouts for criminal groups. Despite these efforts, attacks still occur, especially in remote villages.
The Kaduna State Government has repeatedly assured residents that it is working closely with security agencies to restore peace. In previous statements, officials urged communities to share useful information with security forces and avoid paying ransom, as it encourages more kidnappings.
For the people of Janjala Village, the latest attack has once again brought fear and uncertainty. Families are worried about the safety of those taken away and hope that the security operation will lead to their rescue.
At the General Hospital in Kagarko, doctors are said to be doing their best to treat Shamsu Adamu, who remains under medical care. His condition was not immediately made public, but residents expressed hope that he would recover.
