By Jeremy Jerry
Bandits have killed six people and abducted nine others, including three children, in Akwondo community of Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Residents said the attackers first struck the community, killing six young men who were resting under a tree.
A few hours later, the bandits reportedly returned to the village late Saturday night and carried out a second attack.
According to a community member, Garba Tanimu, the assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles, invaded two houses and abducted six adult males and three children aged between 12 and 15 years.
He said the victims were dragged into the bush amid sporadic gunfire, with the bandits escaping through the Maraban Wolijo axis leading towards Kachia town.
Community leaders said the killing of the six young men, who often helped repel attackers and rescue abducted victims, left the village exposed and made it easier for the bandits to operate.
They added that Akwondo community has been under persistent attacks since November last year, forcing some residents to flee their homes and farmlands.
As of the time of this report, no contact has been made with the abductors.
Residents have appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and restore peace to the area.
The Kaduna State Police Command is yet to issue an official statement, though a police source confirmed that security operatives are currently trailing the attackers.
