At least 13 people have been confirmed dead after suspected bandits invaded a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, unleashing a wave of violence that has left the community in shock.
The attack, which occurred late Sunday night at about 11:47 p.m., saw heavily armed assailants storm the venue in large numbers and open fire indiscriminately on guests gathered for the celebration. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons including AK-47 rifles, shot sporadically, triggering chaos as attendees scrambled for safety.
Residents reported that at least 13 people were killed on the spot, while several others sustained gunshot injuries. Victims with injuries were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, with those in critical condition referred to facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.
In addition to the fatalities, an unspecified number of wedding guests were abducted during the attack. The exact number of those taken remains unclear, as the confusion and panic that followed made immediate headcounts difficult.
A local resident, identified as Shehu Bala, confirmed that the attackers operated for an extended period, reportedly close to an hour, without resistance. During the raid, the gunmen also looted nearby shops, carting away food items, provisions, and medical supplies from a local chemist.
The incident has plunged Kahir village into mourning, with families burying their dead amid heightened fear and uncertainty. Many residents reportedly fled into surrounding bushes during the attack to escape the gunfire.
Authorities have acknowledged the incident. A police spokesperson in Kaduna State confirmed that investigations are ongoing, noting that security operatives are working to verify the number of abducted persons and pursue the perpetrators.
The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing rural communities in Kaduna State and across Nigeria’s northwest, where banditry, kidnappings, and mass casualty attacks have continued despite ongoing security operations.


