By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Worrying developments seem to have,once again, cropped up in Kaduna State,which has witnessed rare calm in about one-and-a half years now, as fresh violence was unleashed in the key North-Western State on Wednesday, February 5.
During the incident, a deadly attack was launched by bandits on Majagada community, Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, leaving in its wake deaths, injuries and abductions.
In January,2025, the State government, through the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Public Affairs, Victor Bobai, issued a statement where it accused Gov. Uba Sani’s “political adversaries” of recruiting kidnappers and bandits to stir up a fresh round of violence, even as it warned of dire consequences for culprits.
The government beat its chest over the restoration of harmonious living and community peace in the state, saying it would do everything possible to sustain the atmosphere.
Nonetheless, bandits still struck on Wednesday, promoting the local Akurmi Development Association (AKURDA) to strongly condemn the incident, which occurred in the early hours.
Reports said the attack started around midnight and lasted several hours.
When the dust cleared, four persons, identified as Mr. Maitala Madaki, Mr. Iliya Kasada, Mr. Ishaya Luka, and Rev. Bitrus Sale, a renowned ECWA pastor in the locality,lost their lives.
A statement by AKURDA and signed by its National President, Mr. Maigamo Yakubu, and National Public Relations Officer, Mr. Pius Kyauta Agaji, which disclosed news of the attack, regretted that the violence is a reminder of past bloodfest in the region.
The statement said: “The loss of these lives is a tragic reminder of the senseless violence that has plagued the region for far too long.”
According to AKURDA, 12 persons were also kidnapped during the attack, including women and children, aged from 14 to 40.
The body added: “Those abducted include Mrs. Godiya Istifanus, Miss Happy Awaje, Miss Rachael Istifanus, Mrs. Agnes Yusuf, Mrs. Nchiye Haukuri, Mr. Divine Haukuri, Mr. Habila Digga, Mrs. Martha Ibrahim, Mrs. Comfort Yusuf, Mrs. Nahum Tanko, Mrs. Zakka Tanko, and Mrs. James Tanko.
“The fate of these individuals remains unknown, and their families are left to suffer the agony of uncertainty.
“Three people were injured in the attack including Mr. Bawa Samaila, Thomas Bawa, and Peter Maitala. These individuals are currently receiving medical attention, and their conditions are being closely monitored.”
AKURDA urged security agencies and government to intervene promptly and ensure the safe release of the abducted persons.
The association also called for increased security measures to prevent future attacks.
“It is imperative that the government takes concrete steps to address the root causes of this violence and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” it insisted.
“As the global community has seen similar incidents, such as the one condemned by UN Chief Guterres, the attack on the Majagada community is a stark reminder of the need for collective action against violence and insecurity.
“The Security Council has also issued strong condemnations of similar attacks in the past”, the statement added.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and the suffering of the innocent people of Majagada. We pray for the safe release of the abducted individuals and the recovery of the injured,” it stated.
Spokesman of Kaduna State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Mansir Hassan, was yet to respond when contacted.
