In a shocking incident on Sunday, bandits attacked travellers on the Abuja–Kaduna highway, kidnapping over 30 people near Dogon-Fili, close to Katari in Kaduna State.
This marked the first breach of security along the crucial artery in more than ten months.
Former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani confirmed the attack on social media, revealing that two of his friends narrowly escaped being kidnapped. Despite an increased security presence, the bandits blocked the road and operated for about 45 minutes.
Eyewitnesses, including Suleiman Dan Baba and Samaila Shehu, detailed the harrowing event, recounting how armed bandits emerged from the bush, blocked the lanes, and forced travellers to alight from their vehicles at gunpoint. The assailants, wielding AK-47 rifles, operated for an extended period, even deflating vehicle tires and forcing drivers to a standstill.
The incident extended beyond Katari, as the bandits divided into two groups, invading Bishini and Kokore communities along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, abducting an unspecified number of villagers. Shuaibu Adamu Jere, a community leader, confirmed the events, stating that his relative narrowly escaped the attack while a driver was injured.
Although the exact number of abducted individuals remains unclear due to the nighttime attack, eyewitnesses reported soldiers stationed near Katari repelling the bandits, preventing further escalation. However, the chaos on the Abuja–Kaduna road raises concerns about the resurfacing threat and the need for sustained security measures.
As of press time, the Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, could not confirm the incident, promising to provide updates after a meeting. The state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, pledged to investigate and provide information on the situation. The community and authorities await further details to comprehend the full extent of the recent attack.
