A wave of violence has once again shaken communities in Kagarko Local Government Area, as a deadly attack and mass abduction unfolded in Kukyer and Kahir villages of Aribi Ward in the early hours of March 29, 2026.
According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 00:15 hours, when armed assailants invaded the villages, unleashing terror on residents. The attackers killed at least thirteen people, injured several others, and abducted dozens, leaving families devastated and the entire community in fear.
Lives Lost
The victims who lost their lives in the attack have been identified as:
Douglas John, Ado Yakubu, Mai Kano Aribi, John Dan Asabe, Williams Luka, Bako Danjuma, Joseph Yakubu, Victor Peter, Peter Williams, Dogara Markus, Francis Amadu, Zephaniah Alhaji, and one individual whose identity is yet to be confirmed.
Their deaths mark another painful chapter in the ongoing insecurity affecting rural communities, where innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of violent attacks.
Those Injured
At least ten individuals sustained injuries during the assault. They include:
Micah Tanko, Fidelis Awuh, Samson Alhaji, Habila Bulus, Colonius Dauda, Lina Samaila, Bello Alkali, Felix Erick, Francis Tanko, and Doctor Solomon.
Many of the wounded are reportedly receiving treatment, though the extent of their injuries remains unclear.
Mass Kidnapping Raises Alarm
In addition to the killings, at least twenty-eight people were abducted during the raid. The kidnapped victims include:
Tanko Makeri, Jummai Victor, Tanko Madaki, Beauty Marshal, Mariya Dominic, Awede Tanko, Patience Bitrus, Thadious Augustine, Salome Danladi, Ephraim Monday, Kande Monday, Lucky Monday, Lidiya Benjamin, Gambo Benjamin, Najirgi Yakubu, Danladi Kagarko, Daniel Shehu, Talatu Ibrahim, Dauda Markus, Peace Waziri, Tanko Waziri, Promise Waziri, Asami Dauda, Awuh Adams, Bulus Sunday, Chibi Emmanuel, Peace Luka, and one unidentified individual.
The scale of the abduction has heightened fears of a prolonged crisis, as families anxiously await news of their loved ones.
A Community in Mourning
Residents of Kukyer and Kahir villages are now grappling with grief, trauma, and uncertainty. Survivors recount a night of chaos, as gunfire echoed through the villages and families were torn apart.
This latest attack underscores the persistent insecurity in the region and raises urgent questions about the safety of rural communities. Locals continue to call for increased security presence, swift rescue efforts for the kidnapped victims, and justice for those who lost their lives.
As the situation develops, the hope remains that authorities will act decisively to restore peace and prevent further tragedies in Kagarko and beyond.
