TheCable

At least nine commuters have been shot dead and an unspecified number abducted by bandits along Kaduna-Kachia road, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state.

The attack was said to have taken place at about 10:30pm on Monday, near Kasuwan Magani.

TheCable understands that the bandits opened fire on vehicles coming from the Kachia axis.

A source told TheCable that the number of people abducted could not be determined because vehicles were many on the road.

Mohammed Jalige, police spokesman in Kaduna, said he is yet to confirm the incident.

There has been a surge in attacks by bandits along the previously safe Kaduna-Kachia road.

As a result of the activities of bandits along the Kaduna-Abuja road, commuters had resorted to plying the Kaduna-Kachia road, despite being a longer route.

But in recent weeks, the bandits have increased the rate of their operations on the Kaduna-Kachia road.

The latest abduction comes about eleven days after eight members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) were kidnapped by gunmen along the same road.

The abductees were travelling for an Easter programme when they were ambushed and abducted.

Similarly, Anthony Dawah, a Catholic priest, his cook, a catechist’s wife, and an unspecified number of people were abducted by bandits in Kushe Makaranta village, Kagarko LGA.