KADUNA, Nigeria – In a shocking incident, suspected terrorists have abducted at least 61 people in a brazen attack on the Buda community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack, which occurred on Monday night, has left the community in a state of fear and uncertainty.
According to eyewitnesses, the armed bandits stormed the village around 11:45 pm, firing indiscriminately and causing panic among the residents. The swift response of nearby soldiers prevented the number of abductions from surpassing that of the school pupils abducted in Kuriga Village of Chikun Local Government Area. However, the whereabouts of the victims and their captors remain unknown.
Residents of the area have expressed their deep concern over the escalating banditry activities in the region since the removal of an Army Commander known as “Tega”. They believe that the presence of Commander Tega had brought a period of relative peace and security to their villages. The removal of the commander has seemingly emboldened the bandits, leading to a resurgence of attacks in the Kajuru Local Government Villages.
Lawal Abdullahi, a resident who narrowly escaped the attack, confirmed that men, women, and even a nursing mother with two-week-old twins were among the victims. The families of the abducted individuals are pleading with the government to take immediate action and ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
This incident is yet another example of the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed numerous mass kidnappings, with more than 17 reported cases. These incidents highlight a significant breakdown in the social contract between the government and its citizens, as the state appears unable to protect society from terrorist groups.
The recent wave of abductions, including the kidnapping of over 280 children from schools in Kaduna state, has further exposed the government’s inability to ensure the safety of its citizens. The parents of the abducted children have pleaded with the government to pay any ransom demanded by the kidnappers in order to secure the safe return of their children.
The Nigerian government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has condemned these incidents and vowed to rescue the victims. However, the recurring nature of these attacks raises questions about the government’s ability to effectively address the security challenges facing the country.