Gunmen invade Kaduna villages, abduct traditional ruler, wife, and over 20 others

DDM News

Gunmen attacked Gurgu village in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, on Sunday, kidnapping over 20 residents, including the traditional ruler, Halidu Galadima, and his wife, Martha Galadima.

This incident occurred despite recent efforts by the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, to promote peace in the region.

According to a local resident, Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the attackers abducted approximately 25 people during the raid, which also left seven others injured.

“The victims included mourners, the village head, his wife, and 23 others,” the resident revealed.

The attack has further exposed the insecurity in Kajuru, raising questions about the effectiveness of the state government’s peace initiative.

In a related development, gunmen targeted Iduh village in Kauru Local Government Area on Monday, killing one person and abducting several others.

Meanwhile, those kidnapped from Alheri Baptist Church in Gyiya, Chikun Local Government Area, two weeks ago remain in captivity.

Critics argue that these incidents cast doubt on the success of the peace deal recently celebrated by the state government.

Columnist Dele Sobowale has questioned the agreement’s effectiveness, pointing out that bandits continue to wreak havoc in the region.

The government has reportedly responded by deploying individuals to counter Sobowale’s views in the media.

In November 2024, Governor Uba Sani pardoned a group of ‘repentant’ terrorists who had terrorized parts of Kaduna for years, leading to the closure of the cattle market in Birnin Gwari for nearly a decade.

Speaking at the time, the governor pledged to ensure fairness for all groups, including farmers, herders, and traders, in a bid to foster lasting peace and development.

The governor revealed that the peace initiative involved extensive dialogue and meetings with senior bandit leaders, many of whom had laid down their arms along with their followers.

“Through numerous discussions, we have built bridges of trust.

Several senior bandit leaders have embraced peace, disarmed, and are now working towards reintegration,” Governor Sani stated.

He explained that the rehabilitation programme for the repentant bandits adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration, enabling them to return to society as law-abiding citizens.

Despite the government’s efforts, the recent wave of kidnappings and attacks by gunmen suggests that insecurity in Kaduna State persists.

Most of the abductees from Gurgu village were reportedly mourners, adding a tragic dimension to the situation.

Governor Sani reiterated his administration’s dual approach to the crisis, stating that while it remains open to dialogue with those seeking peace, it will not hesitate to act decisively against those who continue to perpetrate violence.

The spate of attacks by gunmen underscores the complex challenges facing Kaduna State as the government grapples with balancing peace efforts and security enforcement in a volatile region.

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