Kaduna community laments attacks on 29 villages, killing of 41 persons, abduction of  222

A Kaduna State  group, the Adara Development Association (ADA), on Thursday said in the first quarter of 2024, 35 security breaches were recorded in Adara land in Kaduna and Niger states.

It added that over 29 villages were attacked, 41 persons killed, 24 injured, and 222 people kidnapped with many yet to regain their freedom.

A statement by the National  President of the association, Sebastian Barde, added, “Over 35 houses were destroyed during the period and the ransom so far confirmed to have been paid is N88 million in the first quarter.”

He added, “A breakdown of the impact indicates that Kachia and Kajuru Local Government Areas had 20 and 21 fatalities respectively. On abductions, 98, 112, and 12 were kidnapped in Kachia, Kajuru, and Niger State Adara communities respectively.  On ransom, so far paid, N23 million, N58 million, and N7 million were paid by Adara communities of Kachia, Kajuru, and Niger state respectively.”

The National President stated further that fresh reports indicated more attacks, one at Ungwan Machu, Chibiya, Maro Ward on 31st March, saying that a woman was killed, while some parts of her body were removed and the bandits refused to allow the body to be taken for burial.

He added that on 31st of March, Ungwan Maigari, Ankwa Ward, Kachia was attacked and six persons kidnapped, stating further that Gadnaji in Agunu Ward was also invaded and six persons abducted early in the morning of 3rd April 2024.

“We are particularly concerned about the continuing trend of massacres, mass abductions, and outrageous ransoms being extorted from our hapless people. Specific examples include the 11 killed in Ungwan Sako, 13 killed at Gindin Dutse, 29 abducted at Ungwan Sako, 33 abducted at Kwakware, 61 abducted at Buda, 87 abducted at Tantatu, N11 Million extorted from Kwakware and N42 Million from Ungwan Sako.”

He called on the  government to live up to the expectations of the people, calling for strategies, and deliberate efforts to address the challenges.