Suspected bandits on Monday attacked Sabon Gyero community in Millennium City, located in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing one resident and abducting seven others in the early hours of the day.
Residents said the gunmen, who arrived in large numbers, invaded the quiet neighbourhood before dawn. During the attack, they reportedly broke into a house and kidnapped three women and four children. The attackers also raided a nearby phone charging centre, where they shot and killed a young man identified as Abdullahi Lawal, popularly known as “Kurma.”
The incident has caused fear among residents of the community, which is part of Millennium City in Chikun Local Government Area. Community members said the attackers operated for some time before fleeing with the kidnapped victims and stolen items.
According to sources in the area, the gunmen first targeted a residence where the women and children were taken away. Shortly after, they moved to a phone charging centre where people usually bring their mobile devices for charging due to irregular electricity supply.
Witnesses said the attackers stole several mobile phones and laptops from the shop. During the raid, Abdullahi Lawal was shot in the head.
Lawal, described by residents as deaf and non-verbal, was known in the community and often spent time at the charging centre. People who witnessed the incident said he was rushed to a hospital immediately after the shooting. However, he died before reaching the medical facility.
The young man was later buried in the community according to Islamic burial rites on Monday.
Residents said the attack has left many families in shock and fear. Some said the kidnapped victims include members of a family living in the neighbourhood, though their identities had not been officially released at the time of this report.
Community members also expressed concern about the growing insecurity in parts of Chikun Local Government Area, which has experienced several attacks by armed groups in recent years.
As of the time this report was filed, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the incident. It was also unclear whether security operatives had begun rescue efforts for the kidnapped victims.
Bandit attacks and kidnappings have become a serious security challenge in many parts of north-western Nigeria, including Kaduna State. Armed groups often target rural communities and towns, carrying out raids, kidnapping residents and demanding ransom payments from families.
Over the past decade, communities across the state have faced repeated attacks by bandits operating in forests and remote areas. These groups typically move on motorcycles and carry out sudden assaults on villages, farms and residential neighbourhoods.
Security agencies have launched several operations aimed at tackling the problem. Both federal and state authorities have deployed soldiers and other security personnel to affected areas, while local leaders have repeatedly called for stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
Despite these efforts, attacks continue to occur in some parts of the state, especially in local government areas such as Chikun, Birnin Gwari and Igabi.
Millennium City, where Sabon Gyero community is located, is a growing residential area near Kaduna. The area has expanded in recent years as more people move there for housing and business activities.
However, residents say the community has also faced security concerns due to its location near rural areas where criminal groups sometimes operate.
Following Monday’s attack, some residents said they were worried about the safety of their families. Others called on authorities to increase security patrols in the area to prevent further incidents.
Meanwhile, residents have continued to mourn Abdullahi Lawal, whose death has deeply affected people in the neighbourhood. Those who knew him described him as a quiet and familiar face in the community.
