From Maryam Aminu, Kaduna
Bandits have reportedly sacked three communities—Badoko, Alili, and Abashiya—in the Kachia Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
A member of the Badoko community, Yakubu Samaila, said a large number of bandits, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the three settlements.
He noted that the gunmen, many riding motorcycles, first stormed Badoko with sporadic gunfire, forcing residents to flee their homes for safety in neighboring Azara and Katari.
During the raid, the bandits also abducted the village chief of Abashiya, Mr. John Onombe.
According to Samaila, the attackers looted several shops, carting away foodstuffs and raiding local chemists for medical supplies and hard drugs across the three communities.
“In fact, as I speak to you, there is nobody left in those three villages. The villagers have all fled to Azara and Katari to take refuge,” Samaila said.
A community leader from the area, who requested anonymity, confirmed the displacement of the residents.
He noted that the bandits operated in broad daylight, using motorcycles to transport stolen valuables, provisions, and drugs.
“Some people are currently taking refuge in my domain, while others have fled to neighboring villages,” he said.
The leader further revealed that the bandits appear to be attempting to take over these communities to use them as permanent hideouts.
“Beyond these three, there are several other villages under siege where residents have also been displaced.”
A security source in the area confirmed that security operatives have been deployed to the affected villages following Sunday’s attacks.
“I am aware of at least two villages being displaced, but troops are now on the ground to ensure that those who fled can eventually return to their normal activities,” the source added.
In a separate development, security operatives successfully rescued five abducted victims—four males and one female—at Alewa village in Kachia LGA.
A source confirmed the identities of the rescued victims as Mary Dogara, Gabriel Kadina, Lucky Augustine, Markus Kadina, and Peter Sambo.
The bandits reportedly invaded Alewa around 6am on Sunday and attempted to whisk the victims away.
However, security forces were alerted and successfully ambushed the gang.
“By God’s grace, as the bandits were moving the victims toward their hideout, troops from Gurara Dam intercepted them, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire,” the source explained.
During the firefight, all five victims were rescued, though the female victim, Mary Dogara, sustained a bullet wound.
A security source confirmed that the five individuals have since been reunited with their families.
As of the time of filing this report, the Spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, had yet to officially confirm the incidents.
