Agroup of armed bandits launched an attack on a worship centre in Kaduna State on Sunday, abducting 16 congregants.
This incident occurs roughly a week after the Kaduna State Government announced a peace agreement with armed bandits, who had previously been responsible for kidnappings and killings in the state.
According to reports, the state government recently took steps towards achieving peace, as a large number of bandits operating in at least five local government areas agreed to lay down their arms and end their violent activities.
These bandits had been wreaking havoc in Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari local government areas, using hideouts to launch attacks on communities and major highways, including the Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, and Funtua-Birnin Gwari roads.
The recent peace agreement reportedly brokered with the assistance of federal government agencies led to the ‘surrender’ of several bandit leaders and their followers, who pledged to renounce violence and lay down their arms.
However, in a concerning development, reports have emerged of a fresh attack by bandits on Gyiya village in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state.
The incident was confirmed by local resident Bulus Luqman, who shared the news on his Facebook page, as well as a source from Damba village, located off the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
On Sunday morning, armed bandits stormed Alheri Baptist Church during a worship service, causing chaos and panic.
The bandits, armed with weapons, abducted 16 worshippers and dispersed the congregation, with many managing to escape, according to the sources.
Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Uba Sani, recently announced that the government had reached an agreement with armed bandits aimed at ending banditry and kidnappings in the state.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, on Thursday, received the first set of repentant bandits and opened the cattle market which had been closed for about 10 years due to insecurity.
In November 2024, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and justice for all residents, regardless of their profession or background.
To this end, the Kaduna State Government established “The Peace Dialogue Group” in collaboration with federal agencies. The group has been actively engaging stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders, and traders
Governor Sani’s initiative aims to address the root causes of conflict and foster a harmonious environment conducive to development.
‘’Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders have laid their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers,” he said.
According to him, ‘repentant’ bandits are being enrolled in a rehabilitation programme designed by the state government in partnership with the Federal Government.
“This programme adheres to international standards of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, ensuring that these individuals can return to society as productive citizens,” he said.
He, however, warned that the rehabilitation of ‘repentant’ bandits would be based on the principle of carrot and stick, noting that “while we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence”.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the state police command, Mansur Hassan, for comments failed, as he said he was driving when SaharaReporters called him.
“I’m driving now, when I’m parked, I will get back to you,” he said.