Gunmen stormed a wedding celebration in Kaduna State, Nigeria, late Sunday, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unknown number of guests in a violent attack that has shaken the local community.
The assault took place in Kahir village in Kagarko Local Government Area, where witnesses said armed attackers entered the wedding venue and opened fire on those gathered inside.
An eyewitness who spoke to Daily Trust said the gunmen arrived carrying assault rifles and began shooting into the hall, causing panic among attendees.
“Several people were hit by bullets,” the witness said, adding that victims with injuries were rushed to Kagarko General Hospital, while others in critical condition were taken to a hospital in Kaduna.
The witness said the number of those abducted remains unclear due to the confusion during the attack.
A community leader, who asked not to be named, confirmed the killings and identified several victims, including Bako Danjuma, Williams Luka, Peter Williams, Joseph Yakubu, Victor Peter, John Dan Asabe, Angulu Markus, Maikano Aribi, Douglas John Ado Yakubu, Zaphaniah Alhaji, Joseph Kaddah and Francis Unguwa Doya.
He said the attackers operated for nearly an hour without resistance, during which time they also looted nearby shops, taking food supplies, household goods and medical items from a local pharmacy.
The victims have since been buried, according to the community leader, who added that there has been no contact with those responsible for the abductions.
“The entire community was thrown into panic because of the shooting,” he said. “Some people had to run into the surrounding bush to escape.”
A police source in Kagarko confirmed both the killings and the abductions but said authorities were still working to determine how many people were taken during the attack.
Kaduna State police spokesperson Hassan Mansur also confirmed the incident, saying a detailed statement would be released after further assessment.
The attack marks another episode of violence in a region that has faced repeated assaults by armed groups targeting rural communities, public gatherings and travelers.
The attack on a wedding highlights the growing threat posed by armed groups in parts of Kaduna State, where gatherings of civilians have increasingly become targets. Such incidents not only result in loss of life but also deepen fear and disrupt social life in affected communities.
The ability of the attackers to operate for an extended period without interruption raises concerns about security coverage and response times in rural areas. Limited resources, difficult terrain and coordination challenges often hinder rapid intervention by security forces.
Abductions remain a major concern, as they are frequently used by armed groups to demand payment from families, further compounding the humanitarian impact of these attacks.
The broader pattern of violence suggests a need for sustained security measures and improved intelligence gathering to prevent future incidents. Without consistent efforts to address the root causes and strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, such attacks may continue to occur.
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