Armed bandits have abducted at least 17 people and injured one person in a series of attacks on Southern Kaduna communities in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attacks took place between Saturday and the early hours of Monday.
Residents of the affected communities confirmed the attacks in separate messages sent to SaharaReporters.
The latest attack occurred in the early hours of Monday at Hanya Maro, where armed bandits attacked farmers working on their farmlands and abducted six of them.
The number of those injured, if any, could not be immediately confirmed.
The other attacks occurred between Saturday and Sunday in Ungwan Busa and Banono Angwaku.
In Ungwan Busa, the attackers reportedly stormed the community, abducting three residents and injuring one person during the assault.
Similarly, in Banono Angwaku, the gunmen kidnapped eight people. No injuries were reported.
The fresh attacks have heightened concerns over the persistent insecurity in Kajuru Local Government Area, where communities continue to grapple with recurring kidnappings and violent attacks by armed groups. Many residents also remain reluctant to speak to the media for fear of reprisals.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incidents.
Two weeks ago, at least six residents abducted by bandits from Kutaho Village in the Southern Kaduna axis of Kaduna State were killed in captivity despite the payment of a substantial ransom by members of their community.
Kutaho Village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, came under attack by bandits during which several residents were kidnapped.
Sources familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the victims were among those abducted during the raid.
Those reportedly killed were identified as Friday Agama, said to have been the first captive executed by the bandits; Kunama Dogo; Monday Tanko; Lami Williams; a man identified only as Pawpaw’s brother; and another captive identified as Catchiest, who sources said died after being subjected to severe punishment by the kidnappers.
Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to step up efforts to protect vulnerable communities, rescue victims of banditry, and ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice, warning that the persistent attacks continue to devastate rural communities.