2 People Killed, 20 Abducted as Gunmen Attack Kaduna Community

Two people have reportedly been killed, while 20 others were abducted after suspected terrorists attacked Akwando community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The attack, which reportedly occurred around noon on Wednesday, has raised fresh concerns over the security situation in communities across the area.

The incident was made public on Thursday by the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Dr Joseph Ariko, and the association’s Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel Akwando. However, the Kaduna State Police Command had yet to confirm the attack as of the time the report was filed.

The association expressed concern over what it described as repeated attacks, killings and abductions affecting Kuturmi communities. It said the latest incident occurred while residents were still struggling with the consequences of an earlier attack on Ariko community during Easter Sunday.

KUDA described the fresh attack as another troubling development in the security challenges facing the affected communities. It said the incident had increased the suffering of residents who were still trying to recover from previous attacks and the loss of their loved ones.

According to the association, 20 people were taken away during Wednesday’s attack. Those reportedly abducted include Usman Galadima, La’a’zarus Genesis, Madalin Markus, Happy Stephen, Lovet Ishaya, Afiniki Irimeya, Amina Ahmadu, Miracle Genesis, Hellen Irimeya and Musa Genesis.

Others identified as victims are Janet Irimeya, Gloria Markus, Zila Stephen, Alis Ahmadu, Haske Ahmadu, Great Isiac, Hanatu Irimeya, Desmon Ishaya, Siam Shagari and Nansy Genesis. The association released their names while calling for urgent intervention to secure their freedom.

Previous Attacks Left Several Residents Dead and Missing

The association recalled that an attack on Ariko community during Easter Sunday reportedly resulted in the death of five people at the scene, while another 17 victims subsequently died in captivity.

It also raised concerns over an earlier attack on Awon community, where two people were reportedly killed and 11 others abducted. According to KUDA, five of those abducted regained their freedom on November 3, 2026, but one of them died the following day. Another victim reportedly escaped, while five others died in captivity.

KUDA said the repeated attacks had created widespread fear and forced several residents to abandon their homes and farmlands. It added that the situation had disrupted economic activities, affected livelihoods and made it difficult for families to continue their normal activities.

The association further alleged that armed groups had restricted residents’ access to their ancestral lands and agricultural activities. It claimed that some residents were being asked to pay levies before they could cultivate their farms or harvest agricultural produce.

However, KUDA clarified that its allegations should not be treated as established findings against any individual or group. It called for independent and impartial investigations by relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks, identify possible patterns and determine the appropriate legal and security responses.

KUDA Demands Urgent Government and Security Intervention

The association called on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government and Kachia Local Government Council to deploy adequately equipped security personnel to Akwando, Ariko, Awon and other vulnerable communities. It also demanded coordinated security operations to rescue the 20 people reportedly abducted in Akwando and other victims still being held captive.

Among its demands were the establishment of permanent security posts, regular patrols and effective early-warning mechanisms to prevent further attacks. It also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, alongside humanitarian assistance for affected families, survivors and displaced residents.

KUDA specifically urged President Bola Tinubu, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to treat the situation as an urgent security and humanitarian concern.

The association warned that residents could not continue losing their loved ones, enduring repeated abductions and abandoning their farmlands because of insecurity. It maintained that communities needed adequate protection to enable residents to return to their homes and carry out their daily activities without fear.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, had yet to respond to calls.