Residents protest after seven abducted in fresh Kaduna kidnap attack

Residents of Danhonu II in New Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, staged a protest on Monday over persistent insecurity in the area following the abduction of seven people by suspected bandits.

The demonstrators marched to the Millennium City Divisional Police Headquarters, blocking a major access road while chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate action from security agencies.

The latest incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday when armed men reportedly stormed the community and kidnapped members of two households.

Those taken include Yahaya Yusuf, his wife Latifat, and their two sons, Abdulgafar and Abdulqudus. Also abducted were Mrs. Abdulrazak Jimoh and two of her children, whose identities were yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report.

Residents said the attack has deepened fear in the neighbourhood, noting that the latest abductions bring the number of kidnap incidents in the community to about 11 within the past few months.

They further alleged that the criminals appear to be targeting non-indigenes, raising concerns about possible informants aiding the attackers.

A protester, who asked not to be named, said the bandits arrived in large numbers and were heavily armed.

“In the last month alone, several residents have been kidnapped. Yesterday, about 15 gunmen carrying AK-47 rifles invaded and abducted people,” the resident said, adding that the protest was aimed at drawing attention to their plight.

Chairman of the Danhonu II Landlords Association, Akoh Salifu, who led the protest, said the community could no longer endure the repeated attacks.

“We can’t continue living like this. The kidnappings have become unbearable. We came to the police to officially register our complaints and demand urgent intervention,” Salifu said.

He added that some youths attempted to pursue the kidnappers into nearby bushes but were unable to catch up with them.

Confirming the incident, the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, said officers responded to a distress call and deployed operatives alongside soldiers to the scene.

However, he explained that poor road access and difficult terrain delayed their arrival, allowing the suspects to escape after a brief exchange of gunfire.

Hassan said the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has since visited the community and assured residents that the command is considering establishing a police outpost to strengthen security in the area.