A group of armed bandits launched an attack on a worship centre in Kaduna State on Sunday, abducting 16 congregants.
This incident occurred just a week after the Kaduna State Government announced a peace agreement with armed bandits who had previously caused widespread kidnappings and killings in the region.
Reports indicate that the state government has recently made strides towards achieving peace, as numerous bandits operating in at least five local government areas have agreed to disarm and cease their violent activities.
These bandits had been unleashing chaos in Chikun, Kajuru, Kagarko, Giwa, and Birnin Gwari local government areas, using hideouts to launch assaults on communities and key highways, including the Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari, and Funtua-Birnin Gwari routes.
The recent peace agreement, reportedly brokered with the help of federal government agencies, resulted in the ‘surrender’ of several bandit leaders and their followers, who pledged to renounce violence and disarm.
However, in a troubling turn of events, reports emerged of a fresh attack by bandits on Gyiya village in Chikun Local Government Area.
Local resident Bulus Luqman confirmed the incident, sharing news on his Facebook page, along with corroboration from a source in Damba village, situated off the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road.
On Sunday morning, armed bandits stormed Alheri Baptist Church during a worship service, inciting chaos and panic.
The bandits, equipped with weapons, abducted 16 worshippers and scattered the congregation, although many were able to escape, according to sources.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recently announced that an agreement had been reached with armed bandits aimed at ending banditry and kidnappings in the region.
On Thursday, Governor Sani received the first group of repentant bandits and reopened a cattle market that had been closed for nearly a decade due to insecurity.
In November 2024, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fairness and justice for all residents, irrespective of their occupation or background.
To this end, the Kaduna State Government established “The Peace Dialogue Group” in collaboration with federal agencies. This group has been actively engaging stakeholders to promote peaceful coexistence among farmers, herders, and traders.
Governor Sani’s initiative seeks to address the underlying causes of conflict and cultivate a harmonious environment conducive to development.
“Through numerous meetings and extensive discussions, we have built bridges of trust. Several senior bandit leaders have laid down their arms and embraced peace, along with their followers,” he said.
He further stated that ‘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.
However, he cautioned that the rehabilitation of ‘repentant’ bandits would operate on the principle of carrot and stick, emphasising that “while we welcome those who choose peace, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who continues to perpetuate violence.”
According to SaharaReporters, efforts to reach the spokesperson for the state police command, Mansur Hassan, for comments proved unsuccessful, as he mentioned he was driving when contacted by telephone.
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