Bandits strike in Kaduna, kidnap 27 women, 4 boys
In a shocking turn of events, a group of bandits has carried out a kidnapping spree in Southern Kaduna, resulting in the abduction of 27 women and 4 boys. The distressing incident was reported by the Women’s Wing of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU).
According to Mrs. Jemutu Katarma, the National Women Coordinator of SOKAPU, “numerous villages in Southern Kaduna have fallen victim to bandit attacks, leading to the displacement of a significant number of residents. Katarma pointed out the alarming fact that women and children have become the primary targets of these ruthless bandits”.
Tragically, “one of the kidnapped women, Kauna Ali, has already lost her life while in captivity”.
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The bandits’ recent assault took place in Kachuwe, near Sarkin Pawa, Niger State, on October 2, 2023. The villagers had migrated to Kachuwe in search of safety after enduring several invasions by bandits in Chikun. Unfortunately, armed bandits stormed the village, resulting in the deaths of 13 adult males and a young girl. Among the victims were Baba Barda Kariya, Ali Nariya, Zakariya Nariya, Markus Nariya, John Nariya, Haruna Nariya, Iko Ali, Vincent Ali, Amos Zakariya, Habila Zakariya, Smalis Markus, Timothy John, Victor Markus, and Godiya Markus.
The bandits not only claimed lives but also looted the village of its food and animals before setting it ablaze. While elderly women and sick elderly men were spared, several women and boys, including Kauna Ali, Grace Ali, Murna Ali, Tera Ali, Rahila Shagari, Sunday Zakaria, Leonard Zakaria, Lucy Zakaria, Blessing Zakaria, Charles Haruna, Tina Amos, Desire Amos, Success Amos, and Yemi Benjamin, were forcibly taken.
“Yemi Benjamin, who was pregnant at the time, gave birth during her captivity. Shockingly, the bandits initially demanded a ransom but later refused to accept it. It has now been over a year since any news about the fate of the three-year-old and ten-year-old boys, who are also still in the clutches of the bandits”.
It is a very horrible experience for the relations of these captives to live day and night not knowing the fate of their love ones. “Again, on Saturday 7th October, 2023, in Chikuri village, in Chikun LGA, bandit entered Maikudi farms where villagers were working on portions of the farm that they rented from the owner. Bandits attacked the farm and kidnapped 14 women and a boy. Among the women is 54-year-old Mrs Lydia Dogara and her 20-year-old daughter, Linda Dogara.
“Therefore, we can confirm that at least 27 women and girls and 4 boys who are citizens of Kaduna state from Chikun LGA are in the hands of kidnappers, with one already dead.They are however just some other victims that maybe also be suffering the same fate in the state.”
To address the alarming situation, Katarma urged the Kaduna State government, led by Sen Uba Sani, to leverage his strong rapport with Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, and other security chiefs, to ensure the safe return of the abducted women and children.