Two people have been killed and at least 18 residents abducted after armed bandits invaded Akwando community in Kuturmi, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
While security sources put the number of abducted victims at 18, the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA) reported that 20 residents were taken away during the attack, raising fresh concerns about the worsening security situation in the area.
The attack reportedly occurred around midnight on Wednesday, November 4, when the armed assailants stormed the community and opened fire on residents before whisking several people away.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that two people were killed while several others were abducted.
A security source familiar with the incident also confirmed the attack, disclosing that 18 villagers were kidnapped and two residents killed.
In a statement released on Thursday, KUDA identified the deceased as 41-year-old Irimiya Galadima and 32-year-old Benjamin Danlami.
The association, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Joseph Ariko, and Publicity Secretary, Manasseh Samuel Akwando, listed the abducted residents as Usman Galadima, La’a’zarus Genesis, Madalin Markus, Happy Stephen, Lovet Ishaya, Afiniki Irimeya, Amina Ahmadu, Miracle Genesis, Hellen Irimeya and Musa Genesis.
Others are Janet Irimeya, Gloria Markus, Zila Stephen, Alis Ahmadu, Haske Ahmadu, Great Isiac, Hanatu Irimeya, Desmon Ishaya, Siam Shagari and Nansy Genesis.
KUDA expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on communities across Kuturmi land, warning that the latest incident had further worsened the security situation.
The association recalled an earlier attack on Ariko community during Easter Sunday, which reportedly claimed five lives at the scene, while another 17 victims later died in captivity.
It also cited an attack on Awon community, where two people were reportedly killed and 11 others abducted by armed bandits.
According to the association, five of the victims abducted from Awon regained their freedom on November 3, but one reportedly died the following day. Another victim escaped, while five others were said to have died in captivity.
The association lamented that the persistent attacks had forced many residents to abandon their homes and farmlands, disrupted economic activities and created widespread fear among communities in the area.
It further alleged that armed groups had restricted residents from accessing their ancestral lands, demanding payments before allowing them to cultivate their farms or harvest their crops.
KUDA called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government to urgently strengthen security operations in Akwando, Ariko, Awon and other vulnerable communities.
It demanded the deployment of adequately equipped security personnel, coordinated operations to rescue the abducted residents, the establishment of permanent security posts and regular patrols.
The association also stressed the need for effective early-warning systems to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable communities.
Meanwhile, several residents of Babban Saura PW in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who were abducted by bandits on October 1, 2026, are reportedly still being held captive.
Among those in captivity are Hafsat Sikiru and her son, Abdulsalam. Her husband, Sikiru Shuaibu, was reportedly killed while attempting to protect his family during the attack.
Other residents abducted during the incident also remain in captivity, despite the recent rescue of eight kidnapping victims by security operatives during an operation in a forest.
One of those rescued was a pregnant woman who was abducted from her residence in Millennium City on October 6, 2026.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, could not be reached for comments on the latest attack.
The Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs had also yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, with residents calling for urgent government intervention to protect lives, secure communities and rescue those still being held by kidnappers.
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