On Sunday night, a shocking incident unfolded along the Abuja–Kaduna highway as bandits attacked travelers, abducting over 30 people near Dogon-Fili, close to Katari, in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This marks the first breach of security on this crucial artery in more than ten months.
Former lawmaker Senator Shehu Sani confirmed the attack, revealing that even with an increased security presence, the bandits blocked the road, operated for nearly 45 minutes, and abducted scores of individuals. Two of Sani's friends, representing both opposition and ruling parties, narrowly escaped the bandits' clutches.
Witnesses reported that the bandits, armed with AK-47 rifles, emerged from the bush, blocked the two lanes, and operated for an extended period. They opened fire, deflated vehicle tires, and forced travelers at gunpoint to disembark before taking them into the bush.
The bandits, divided into two groups, further invaded Bishini and Kokore communities along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, abducting an unspecified number of villagers. Community leaders and residents confirmed the incidents, with reports of injuries and empty vehicles left by the roadside.
Despite the attack, a lawyer from Katari, preparing to return to Kaduna, shared that soldiers stationed around 500 meters from Katari successfully repelled the bandits, blocking the road temporarily.
The Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, could not confirm the development, promising to provide more information after a meeting. The state Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, committed to investigating the incident and providing updates.
As the nation grapples with this resurgence of violence on a major highway, questions arise about the effectiveness of current security measures and the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of travelers along the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway
