A joyful wedding celebration in Southern Kaduna ended in tragedy after armed bandits reportedly attacked guests, killing at least 13 people, injuring several others, and abducting 28 victims in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The deadly incident happened on Sunday in Kukyer and Kahir villages, leaving families shattered and the entire community in fear.
According to local accounts, the attackers stormed the wedding venue and began shooting at people, throwing the gathering into chaos as guests ran for safety.
A community member, Ms. Mafiana Yakubu, who first raised alarm about the incident on social media, said the attack happened suddenly and left many residents in shock.
Another resident, David Yakubu, who later helped compile the names of those affected, called on security agencies to urgently step in before the situation worsens.
Those reported killed:
•Douglas John
•Ado Yakubu
•Maikano Aribi
•John Dan Asabe
•Williams Luka
•Bako Danjuma
•Joseph Yakubu
•Victor Peter
•Peter Williams
•Dogara Markus
•Francis Amadu
•Zephaniah Alhaji
•One unidentified victim
Those reported injured:
•Micah Tanko
•Fidelis Awuh
•Samson Alhaji
•Habila Bulus
•Colonius Dauda
•Lina Samaila
•Bello Alkali
•Felix Erick
•Francis Tanko
•Doctor Solomon
Those reported abducted:
•Tanko Makeri
•Jummai Victor
•Tanko Madaki
•Beauty Marshal
•Mariya Dominic
•Awede Tanko
•Patience Bitrus
•Thadious Augustine
•Salome Danladi
•Ephraim Monday
•Kande Monday
•Lucky Monday
•Lidiya Benjamin
•Gambo Benjamin
•Najirgi Yakubu
•Danladi Kagarko
•Daniel Shehu
•Talatu Ibrahim
•Dauda Markus
•Peace Waziri
•Tanko Waziri
•Promise Waziri
•Asami Dauda
•Awuh Adams
•Bulus Sunday
•Chibi Emmanuel
•Peace Luka
•One unidentified victim
Residents say the attack has left the area tense, with many families now living in fear of another assault.
Community members are calling for the urgent deployment of more security personnel, saying the growing insecurity in parts of Southern Kaduna is becoming unbearable.
For many in the area, what should have been a day of celebration has now turned into another painful reminder of the worsening security crisis facing rural communities in Nigeria.