A tragic attack has shaken communities in Kaduna State after armed bandits ambushed a truck conveying schoolgirls, killing one and abducting several others.
The incident occurred in Akwando village, Kachia Local Government Area, according to a local source, Reuben Buhari, who said the victims were travelling to resume school when the attack happened.
Among the victims was a female student, Purity Babangida, who was reportedly shot dead while attempting to escape from the attackers.
The students, all from Akwando community, were on their way to Kachia for school resumption when the truck was ambushed less than 10 minutes into the journey.
Those abducted include students from Government Secondary School Gumel and Government Secondary School Kachia, as well as St. John’s School, Kachia. The victims also include the driver and some adults accompanying the students.
Amid the chaos, about 15 students managed to escape by jumping off the moving truck and fleeing into the surrounding bush. They reportedly trekked for hours before reaching safety in nearby villages.
The attack has left families and residents in deep distress, with fears growing over the safety of students in the region, which has witnessed repeated security challenges in recent years.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Kaduna State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force in the state has issued an official statement on the incident.
The latest attack underscores ongoing concerns about insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria, particularly the risks faced by students and commuters in vulnerable rural communities.