Key points

• Terrorists raided Umaso and Unguwa-Ku in Kajuru, killing two and abducting seven residents.
• The captives include a six-month-old infant and two boys aged 7 and 10.
• Security agencies had not commented as rescue efforts continued.

Terrorists killed two residents and abducted seven others on Thursday night when they raided two Adara communities in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Additionally, the gunmen wounded four people and looted homes.

Moreover, the raids fit a wider pattern of violence that has battered rural Kaduna for years. Frequently, armed groups storm farming villages to kill, kidnap and loot.

The attackers first stormed Umaso, also known as Rafin Kunu, in Kufana Ward. According to eyewitnesses, they chanted as they opened fire and forced many residents to flee into the bush.

Subsequently, the assailants moved to neighboring Unguwa-Ku and launched a second assault. There, they killed a 32-year-old man and wounded his younger brother before fleeing.

Lives lost and homes looted

Residents identified one of the dead as 23-year-old Luka Aminizeh Alibaba, an orphan. Meanwhile, three wounded residents reached a hospital, where they are now receiving treatment.

Officials gave no full list of the wounded. Still, residents said the gunfire was indiscriminate as victims scrambled for cover.

The gunmen seized seven people from Umaso, including three women and several children. Notably, the captives included a six-month-old infant and two boys aged 7 and 10.

All seven captives came from Umaso, residents said. Moreover, the community had little time to respond before the gunmen vanished into the night.

Before they withdrew, the attackers looted food, livestock and other valuables. Consequently, many families lost both relatives and their means of survival.

Appeals for security amid fresh abductions

Speaking for the affected households, Onnusim Alhaji Ishaya condemned the raids. Furthermore, he urged security agencies to rescue the captives and pursue the perpetrators.

He also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to reinforce vulnerable communities across Kajuru. Therefore, residents hope stronger patrols can prevent the next attack.

Still, security agencies had not issued any statement by the time of this report. However, sources said rescue efforts for the abducted were continuing.

Separately, terrorists abducted six Almajiri pupils on Wednesday in Birnin Gwari. Although soldiers from the Supa Camp engaged the attackers, the gunmen escaped with the children.

According to local sources, the gunmen intercepted the boys as they returned from a nearby farm around 6:30 p.m. Subsequently, residents and troops mobilized and forced the attackers to retreat.

Even so, the terrorists fled with all six pupils. As of this report, security authorities had not commented, while the search for the children continued.