Residents of Danhonu II in Kaduna protest after seven people were kidnapped, calling for urgent police action to curb rising bandit attacks
Residents of Danhonu II community in New Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, staged a protest on Monday following the abduction of seven people by suspected bandits.
The demonstrators marched to the Millennium City Divisional Police Headquarters, blocking the main access road while demanding immediate security intervention.
The latest kidnapping occurred around 11:30pm on Sunday, when armed assailants stormed the community and abducted members of two families.
Those taken include Yahaya Yusuf, his wife Latifat Yusuf, and their sons Abdulgafar and Abdulqudus, alongside Mrs Abdulrazak Jimoh and two of her children, whose names were not disclosed.
Protesters noted that this latest attack brought the total number of kidnappings in the area to 11 over the past few months, raising fears among residents.
Many alleged that the incidents were primarily targeting non-indigenous inhabitants, hinting at possible local informants aiding the criminals.
A resident, who requested anonymity, said, “In the last month, more than four residents have been kidnapped here. Yesterday, no fewer than 15 bandits came with AK-47 rifles and abducted about five residents to an unknown destination.”
The Chairman of the Danhonu II Landlords Association, Akoh Salifu, emphasised that the community could no longer live in peace due to persistent kidnappings.
“The pressure from these repeated incidents has become unbearable for us,” he said.
Salifu added that youths attempted to pursue the bandits into the bush after Sunday night’s attack but were unable to catch them.
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the incident, noting that police operatives and soldiers responded to a distress call but arrived late due to poor road access and difficult terrain, allowing the suspects to escape despite an exchange of gunfire.
Hassan further said the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, had visited the community to meet with stakeholders and assured them that the command would consider establishing a police outpost in Danhonu II to enhance security.
The protest underscores growing concern over banditry in Kaduna State and calls for swift and sustained action to protect vulnerable communities.
