Twin attacks on Kaduna–Birnin Gwari highway and farmland deepen fears over fragile peace deals and worsening insecurity

Suspected “repentant” bandits have carried out fresh attacks in Kaduna State, killing a commercial driver and abducting nine others in separate incidents along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road and in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area.

The slain driver, Mallam Ibrahim Adamu, was identified as the grandson of a district head in the Birnin Gwari Emirate. A family source confirmed the incident, stating that he was attacked at Kwanan Giginya while operating a commercial vehicle along the busy highway.

Gunmen reportedly opened fire on the vehicle, killing Ibrahim on the spot before abducting about five passengers and fleeing into nearby bush paths.

In a related incident, four farmers were kidnapped in the Kurgi area while tending to their fields. The victims were said to have been engaged in routine agricultural work when the attackers struck and whisked them away to an undisclosed location.

The coordinated attacks have intensified concerns about persistent insecurity along the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari corridor, an area long plagued by violent raids despite reported peace arrangements with armed groups.

Residents say the continued violence is crippling livelihoods, forcing farmers off their land and disrupting movement and trade across affected communities.

Locals also allege that attackers frequently loot valuables—including motorcycles, phones, and cash—during raids, in addition to carrying out abductions and killings that often go unreported.

Community members are urging security agencies to ramp up patrols on the highway and deploy stronger protection for rural settlements to stem the tide of recurring attacks.