The reported kidnapping incident along the Abuja-Kaduna highway is deeply concerning. It appears that a group of terrorists or bandits targeted travellers, blocking the road and forcefully abducting over 30 individuals. According to reports, the attackers were armed with AK-47 rifles and operated near Kateri village around 9 p.m.
Senator Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker and social activist, confirmed the incident through a post on Twitter. He mentioned that both politicians from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) and opposition parties were among those who managed to escape abduction.
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Eyewitnesses, including local residents and a community leader, provided additional details, describing how the bandits blocked the road for about 45 minutes, opened fire, and forced travellers out of their vehicles at gunpoint. The attackers reportedly split into groups, extending their reach to nearby villages and abducting several more individuals.
A community leader, Shuaibu Adamu Jere, recounted the operation, mentioning that it lasted around 45 minutes, during which a driver was shot and two vehicles were left abandoned. Fortunately, soldiers stationed near Katari eventually repelled the bandits, according to an anonymous lawyer from Katari.
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The Kaduna State overseeing commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and the state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, have both stated their intention to investigate the incident further.
Kidnappings along highways and acts of terrorism are significant security challenges that require prompt and effective measures to ensure the safety of citizens. Authorities need to thoroughly investigate the incident, identify the perpetrators, and take necessary actions to prevent such occurrences in the future. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance security along critical transportation routes to protect the lives of travellers.
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