Residents of Danhonu II in New Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, staged a protest on Monday following the abduction of seven people by suspected bandits.
The demonstrators marched to the Millennium City Divisional Police Headquarters, blocking a major access road while chanting solidarity songs and calling for urgent security measures.
The abduction occurred around 11:30 pm on Sunday when armed men attacked the community, targeting members of two families. Those kidnapped include Malam Yahaya Yusuf, his wife Latifat, and their sons Abdulgafar and Abdulqudus. Additionally, Mrs. Abdulrazak Jimoh and two of her children were taken, though their names have not been disclosed.
Residents noted that this incident has escalated fear in the area, bringing the total number of kidnappings in recent months to 11. They claimed that the attacks disproportionately affected non-indigenous residents, raising concerns that insiders might be assisting the criminals.
A protester, speaking anonymously, described the attackers as heavily armed and numerous. “In the past month alone, more than four residents have been kidnapped. Yesterday, at least 15 bandits carrying AK-47 rifles abducted about five people,” the protester said.
The protesters decided to approach the police station to formally report the incident after enduring repeated attacks.
Mr. Akoh Salifu, Chairman of the Danhonu II Landlords Association and leader of the protest, said the community could no longer live in peace due to ongoing kidnappings. “The repeated abductions have made life unbearable. Some youths even attempted to pursue the kidnappers into the bush after Sunday night’s attack but were unsuccessful,” he explained.
Salifu added, “As law-abiding citizens, we are asking the police for urgent intervention to restore safety in our community.”
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the abduction, stating that the police responded quickly to a distress call. However, difficult terrain and poor road access delayed their arrival, allowing the attackers to escape despite an exchange of gunfire.
Hassan noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, visited Danhonu II, met with community leaders, and assured them that the command would consider establishing a police outpost in the area to enhance security.
