Fresh tragedy has struck two Adara communities in Kufana Ward of Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after heavily armed terrorists launched coordinated night attacks that left two residents dead, four others injured, seven abducted, and several families stripped of their means of livelihood.
The latest assault, which occurred on Thursday night, targeted Umaso (Rafin Kunu) and neighbouring Unguwa-Ku villages, further deepening fears over the worsening security crisis in Southern Kaduna and renewing concerns about the vulnerability of rural communities to incessant attacks.
According to information obtained, the gunmen stormed Umaso (Rafin Kunu) shouting “Allahu Akbar” before opening fire indiscriminately on terrified residents, forcing many to flee into nearby bushes in a desperate bid to save their lives.
Among those killed was 23-year-old Luka Aminizeh Alibaba, an orphan, who was fatally shot during the attack. Three other residents sustained severe gunshot wounds and were rushed to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment.
The terrorists subsequently abducted seven residents from the community. Those identified as victims include Mrs. Lami Ali, 40; Mrs. Solomi Zachariah, 30; Mrs. Beauty Alpha, 29; Abednego Alpha, 10; Jonah Alpha, 7; Samson Alpha, a six-month-old infant; and another resident whose identity had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Residents said the attackers moved from Umaso (Rafin Kunu) to neighbouring Unguwa-Ku, unleashing yet another wave of violence on the community.
During the second attack, 25-year-old Manasseh Mathew sustained critical gunshot injuries and is currently receiving medical attention, while his 32-year-old elder brother was shot dead on the spot.
Before retreating into the surrounding forests, the gunmen reportedly carted away food supplies, livestock, and other valuable possessions belonging to villagers, leaving many families devastated and compounding the humanitarian burden already confronting the communities.
The fresh bloodshed has thrown the affected Adara communities into mourning, with residents lamenting what they described as a relentless cycle of killings, kidnappings and destruction that has persisted despite repeated calls for improved security across Kajuru Local Government Area.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Mr. Onnusim Alhaji Ishaya condemned the attacks and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted victims and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
He also appealed to the Kaduna State Government and relevant security authorities to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable communities to forestall further attacks and restore confidence among residents.
The latest incident adds to the growing list of violent attacks that have continued to plague Southern Kaduna, where communities have repeatedly suffered killings, abductions and mass displacement at the hands of armed groups.
For many residents, the renewed violence is a grim reminder that despite years of promises and military operations, peace and security remain elusive, while innocent villagers continue to bear the devastating consequences of the country’s deepening insecurity.