Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding celebration in Kahir village, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna state, killing 13 people and abducting 28 residents in a late-night raid.
The attackers, said to be heavily armed, stormed the venue at about 11pm on Saturday, opening fire on guests gathered for a bachelor’s eve party.
Emmanuel Musa Kahir, a resident and former special adviser to the Kagarko council chairman, said the gunmen arrived in large numbers and shot indiscriminately, leaving 13 people dead at the scene.
Seven others sustained injuries during the attack. Six victims are receiving treatment at the general hospital in Kagarko, while one severely injured person was referred to a hospital in Kaduna.
Kahir added that 28 people were abducted, although the exact number remains uncertain as many of those present were children.
The assailants also looted several shops, carting away food items and other goods.
According to Kahir, a vigilante group in neighbouring Kuratan community had earlier sighted the bandits and warned residents to disperse the gathering.
While some attendees fled, others reportedly ignored the warning and were caught in the deadly assault.
“The vigilantes alerted us that bandits had been sighted and advised that the party be stopped. Some people left, but those who stayed became victims,” he said.
Government officials, including the Kagarko council chairman and senior state authorities, have since visited the community.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
