Troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have launched a major operation to rescue victims and arrest perpetrators after armed bandits carried out a violent attack on Wake and Gadanaji villages in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
According to Zagazola reports, the incident occurred around 5:55 a.m. on September 7, 2025, when a large group of gunmen stormed Wake village and opened fire indiscriminately.
During the attack, several villagers were killed.
Among the casualties were Elisha Pius, Japhet Bitrus, Obadiah Joshua, Luka Augustine, and Paul Augustine of Wake village, while Ezekiel Augustine, Ishaya Paul, and Bulus Bawa of Gadanaji village were also shot dead.
Many injured, others kidnapped to unknown locations
In addition to the fatalities, a number of villagers sustained gunshot injuries.
The injured victims include Sanda Christopher, Issac Elisha, Moses Christian, Godday Clement, and Janet Godday from Wake village, as well as Sunday Nuhu, Zakariah Anthony, and Gideon Pius from Gadanaji.
Reports further revealed that some villagers were abducted and taken to unknown destinations by the attackers.
The exact number of those kidnapped has yet to be confirmed.
Troops were said to have immediately mobilized to the affected communities after the attack.
Injured persons were evacuated to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some later referred to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna for specialized care.
Security agencies launch combing operations
In response, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have intensified combing operations across Kachia and surrounding areas to track down the bandits and secure the release of kidnapped victims.
Military sources disclosed that “operations are ongoing and will continue until the perpetrators are arrested and peace is restored in the affected villages.”
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has not issued any official statement on the attack, nor has it sent representatives on a sympathy visit to the grieving communities.
