Attack in Kaduna Kills Two and Abducts 20

Two people have been killed and 20 others taken away by terrorists in Akwando community around noon on Wednesday. This incident happened in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Joseph Ariko, the President of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association, and Hon. Manasseh Akwando, the Publicity Secretary, shared this information on Thursday. They expressed worry about the ongoing killings, abductions, and displacement of people in Kuturmi communities.

The association condemned the latest attack, calling it another alarming sign of the ongoing security issues in the area. They said, "This latest incident represents another deeply troubling development in the persistent security challenges confronting our communities. It is particularly distressing that the attack occurred while our people are still grappling with the consequences of the Easter Sunday attack on Ariko."

KUDA released the names of the 20 people who were reportedly abducted during the attack. The names include Usman Galadima, La’a’zarus Genesis, Madalin Markus, Happy Stephen, Lovet Ishaya, Afiniki Irimeya, Amina Ahmadu, Miracle Genesis, Hellen Irimeya, and Musa Genesis.

Other names are Janet Irimeya, Gloria Markus, Zila Stephen, Alis Ahmadu, Haske Ahmadu, Great Isiac, Hanatu Irimeya, Desmon Ishaya, Siam Shagari, and Nansy Genesis. KUDA also reminded everyone that the Easter Sunday attack on Ariko took five lives immediately, and 17 more victims later died in captivity.

The association expressed concern over another attack on the Awon community, which resulted in two deaths and the abduction of 11 others. They also mentioned that five of those abducted were freed on November 3, 2026, but one died a day later. Another escaped, while five others died in captivity.

"The recurrence of attacks, killings, abductions and displacement across our communities has become an increasingly serious humanitarian and security concern," the statement said. It added that residents live in fear and uncertainty. Families are separated, livelihoods are disrupted, and farmlands are abandoned.

The association claimed that armed groups are blocking residents from accessing their lands and farming. There are reports of demands for payments or levies before community members can farm or harvest. They warned that these actions pose serious threats to safety and the rights of affected communities.

"No Nigerian citizen should be subjected to intimidation, extortion or unlawful restrictions by armed groups in accessing legitimate sources of livelihood or exercising lawful rights over their ancestral lands," KUDA stated. They also pointed out what seems to be a pattern of targeted violence and displacement of the Kuturmi people.

However, they clarified that these concerns are not accusations against any individual or group. They called for independent investigations into the attacks to understand the situations better. "We emphasise that these concerns are not presented as concluded findings against any individual or group. Rather, they highlight the urgent need for independent, impartial and thorough investigations by competent authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the attacks," the statement added.

KUDA urged the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kachia Local Government Council to send well-equipped security personnel to Akwando, Ariko, Awon, and other vulnerable areas. They also called for coordinated actions to ensure the safe return of the 20 abducted individuals and others still held.

Other requests include setting up permanent security posts, regular patrols, early warning systems, prosecuting those responsible, and providing immediate help to affected families and survivors. They also want high-level talks between government officials and community representatives to assess the security situation and find long-term solutions.

"We wish to make it clear that the Kuturmi people are not demanding special privileges or preferential treatment. We are demanding the protection of our fundamental rights as Nigerian citizens, including the rights to life, dignity, personal security, freedom of movement, and the peaceful enjoyment of our ancestral heritage," they said.

They added, "Our communities cannot continue to experience recurring attacks, lose their loved ones, endure the abduction of family members, abandon their farmlands, and face uncertainty over the safety of their ancestral settlements."

KUDA called on President Bola Tinubu, Governor Uba Sani, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Chief of Defence Staff to treat the situation as an urgent security and humanitarian issue needing quick action. They also appealed to traditional rulers, civil society groups, human rights organizations, and humanitarian agencies to help improve the worsening security situation.

"Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives, the victims who remain in captivity, and all affected communities. We stand with them and repeat our demand for justice, effective protection, and the safe return of all abducted persons," the statement ended.

When our correspondent tried to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, he did not respond to calls or text messages at the time of this report.