In a shocking incident on Sunday night, more than 30 travelers fell victim to a brazen kidnapping along the notorious Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. Former federal lawmaker and social activist, Senator Shehu Sani, confirmed the harrowing event, disclosing that armed terrorists blocked the highway near Kateri village at around 9 pm.
Detailing the attack, Sani reported on X platform that the assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles, forcefully halted vehicles, creating chaos and panic among the passengers. The armed militants, notorious for their ruthless tactics, blocked the road for approximately 45 minutes, during which they opened fire and coerced travelers out of their vehicles at gunpoint.
Suleiman Dan Baba, a local resident, recounted the terrifying scene, stating, "The bandits, armed with AK-47 rifles, blocked the road for about 45 minutes, opening fire and forcing travellers out of their vehicles at gunpoint."
Senator Sani went on to reveal that politicians from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties were among those who narrowly escaped abduction during the violent encounter.
The impact of the attack extended beyond the initial scene, as the bandits reportedly split into groups and targeted nearby Bishini and Kokore communities, abducting several villagers in a spree of lawlessness.
Shuaibu Adamu Jere, a community leader, shared the distressing account of a relative's narrow escape near the attack site, revealing that the operation lasted approximately 45 minutes, resulting in a driver being shot and two vehicles abandoned.
While an anonymous lawyer from Katari confirmed the blockade, the fate of those abducted remained uncertain. Soldiers stationed near Katari eventually intervened, repelling the bandits and preventing further escalation of the situation.
Authorities, including Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State overseeing commissioner for internal security and home affairs, and ASP Mansir Hassan, the state Police Command's Public Relations Officer, have pledged to investigate the incident further. As the nation grapples with this disturbing incident, questions arise about the security measures in place along this vital highway and the broader implications for the safety of travelers in the region.
