In the early hours of Thursday, August 8, 2024, tragedy struck Gefe village in Kallah Ward of Kufana Chiefdom, located in Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Armed bandits launched a deadly attack on the community, leaving devastation in their wake.

The attackers arrived around midnight, surrounding the village and opening fire. Panic ensued as villagers scrambled for safety. Unfortunately, the village head, Mr. Emmanuel Idan, was outside at the time and was shot while trying to flee. Another victim, a local trader named Innocent Eze, was chased into his home by the attackers and shot dead. His wife was then abducted by the bandits.

The bandits did not stop there. They moved through the village, going from house to house and taking several residents hostage, including women and children. The exact number of kidnapped villagers is still unclear as community leaders work to account for everyone.

One of the community leaders, Markus Danja, who is also a relative of one of the victims, shared that they are still compiling the list of those who have gone missing. Among them are the wives and children of his brother, who were taken by the attackers.

In response to the attack, the Executive Chairman of Kajuru Local Government Area, Hon. Ibrahim Gajere, visited the grieving community on Friday to express his condolences. He was accompanied by the Commanding Officer of the 312 Kalapanzi Barracks, who also offered support to the affected residents.

This tragic incident has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State, where banditry and abductions continue to threaten the lives and safety of local communities. The people of Gefe village now face the difficult task of coping with the loss of their loved ones and the uncertainty of the fate of those abducted.