Man killed as bandits abduct wife, children and others in Kaduna

Suspected bandits have killed a man identified as Sikiru and abducted his wife, two children and other residents during a midnight attack on Babban Saura community in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area. The attack occurred at about 1am on Thursday, according to a community source. The assailants reportedly entered three houses, beginning with the home of an elderly man before moving to Sikiru’s residence.

The source said the attackers broke through the fence of Sikiru’s compound and entered the house. Sikiru allegedly resisted and struggled with some of the men before he was overpowered and killed. His wife and two children were then taken away.

The attackers also reportedly entered a neighbouring house and abducted a woman and her four children. Soldiers and local vigilantes later rescued the woman, while her children remained in captivity, according to the account. Usman Adamu, commander of the local vigilantes, confirmed the attack and said nine people were initially abducted.

He said vigilantes received a distress call and alerted soldiers, who joined the pursuit of the attackers. Adamu said security personnel traced the group to the Eastern Bypass area and rescued the woman, identified as Maman Mubarak. He said efforts to rescue the other victims continued, but the attackers escaped with them.

Residents gathered at Sikiru’s home on Thursday and expressed concern about security in the area. The incident followed a report that suspected bandits had attacked Kadaure, also in the area, killing a man and rustling cattle. Efforts to obtain a response from the Kaduna State Police Command were unsuccessful.

Its public relations officer, DSP Mansur Hassan, could not be reached by telephone and had not responded to a text message when the report was filed.