Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
KADUNA, Nigeria — Armed bandits attacked the residence of Alhaji Saidu Mai Shago in Zuntu town, Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State, late last night, firing sporadically before abducting his elderly mother, according to local sources and community accounts.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community under the cover of darkness, discharging firearms to create panic and disperse neighbours who might have attempted to intervene. Witnesses described scenes of confusion as gunshots rang out across the quiet rural settlement, forcing many households to flee indoors for safety.
The assailants reportedly forced their way into the compound of Alhaji Saidu Mai Shago, a known figure in the area, and seized his aged mother before retreating to nearby bush paths believed to serve as escape routes for criminal gangs operating in the region. Her current condition remains unknown, and there has been no official confirmation on whether contact has been made by the abductors.
Kubau Local Government Area has experienced recurring security challenges in recent years, with armed groups carrying out raids, kidnappings and cattle rustling across rural communities. Kaduna State, particularly its northern and central districts, has remained a hotspot for banditry and abduction-for-ransom operations, often targeting vulnerable individuals, community leaders and their relatives.
Community members in Zuntu expressed fear that the abduction may be part of a broader pattern of targeted kidnappings aimed at extracting ransom payments from families perceived to have financial means. In many previous cases across the state, abducted victims — including elderly persons — have been held in forest camps while negotiations for ransom took place.
Local vigilante groups were said to have mobilised shortly after the incident, but the attackers had already fled by the time any organised response could be mounted. Residents noted that the sporadic gunfire appeared intended to deter resistance and delay pursuit.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Security sources in the area indicated that efforts were underway to track the movement of the kidnappers and gather intelligence that could lead to the safe rescue of the abducted woman.
The abduction has heightened anxiety among residents of Zuntu and neighbouring communities, many of whom say they have been living in fear due to the frequency of similar attacks. Community leaders are reportedly appealing to state and federal authorities to strengthen security presence and conduct sustained patrols to deter further incursions.
Incidents of kidnapping in Kaduna have had far-reaching social and economic consequences, with families often forced to sell property or raise funds through community appeals to secure the release of loved ones. Human rights groups have repeatedly urged authorities to intensify preventive security strategies and improve rapid response mechanisms in rural areas.
For the family of Alhaji Saidu Mai Shago, the immediate concern remains the safe return of their elderly matriarch. Neighbours say prayers and community solidarity efforts are ongoing as they await updates from security agencies.
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