Former lawmaker Shehu Sani and locals confirm disturbing incident over posts on the internet. In a harrowing incident on Sunday, armed terrorists abducted no fewer than 30 travellers along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, signaling a dangerous escalation of insecurity in the region.
Former federal lawmaker and social activist, Senator Shehu Sani, confirmed the shocking occurrence in a post on X platform (formerly Twitter). According to Sani, the abduction took place near Kateri village around 9 pm. He disclosed that the terrorists, armed with AK-47 rifles, blocked the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway for approximately 45 minutes, unleashing terror on helpless travellers.
What adds a chilling dimension to this incident is the revelation that politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties were among those fortunate enough to escape the clutches of the terrorists.
Suleiman Dan Baba, a local resident, recounted the horrifying scene, stating, “The bandits, armed with AK-47 rifles, blocked the road for about 45 minutes, opening fire and forcing travellers out of their vehicles at gunpoint.”
Reports from the region suggest that the bandits did not confine their violence to the highway. They reportedly split into groups, reaching out to nearby Bishini and Kokore communities, where several villagers were also abducted.
Shuaibu Adamu Jere, a community leader, highlighted the intensity of the attack. “The operation lasted around 45 minutes. A driver was shot, and two vehicles were left abandoned,” he stated.
Samaila Shehu, a resident from nearby Jere, provided a grim estimate, noting that over 30 travellers were taken hostage during this brazen attack.
Despite the chaos, there were instances of heroism, as soldiers stationed near Katari eventually repelled the bandits. An anonymous lawyer from Katari confirmed the blockade but expressed uncertainty about the extent of the abductions.
To address the alarming incident, Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State overseeing commissioner for internal security and home affairs, and ASP Mansir Hassan, the state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted. The attack underscores the urgent need for intensified security measures along this critical highway to safeguard the lives of travellers and residents alike.
