No fewer than 13 persons have been killed and several others abducted following an attack by suspected bandits at a wedding ceremony in Kahir Village, Kagarko Local Council of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Sunday night at about 11:47 p.m., and heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in the rural communities.

Eyewitness said that the bandits, who arrived in large numbers armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the wedding venue and opened fire on guests, causing panic and confusion.

Also, a resident of the area, Shehu Bala, confirmed that several victims sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Kagarko, while others with critical conditions were referred to Kaduna for advanced medical care.

He said that the number of those abducted remains uncertain due to the chaotic nature of the attack.

Besides, a community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the assailants operated for nearly one hour without resistance, adding that the attackers also looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions and medical supplies.

The victims of the attack have since been buried, even as efforts to establish contact with the abductors have yet to yield results.

The attack forced many residents to flee their homes into nearby bushes as gunshots echoed across the community.

However, a police source in Kagarko confirmed the incident, stating that security agencies are still working to ascertain the exact number of those abducted.

Also, the spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, assured that a comprehensive report would be made available after preliminary investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside Senator Sani Musa, visited the injured victims who are receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

The latest incident underscored growing insecurity in parts of Kaduna State, where several communities, including Janjala, have remained under persistent threat.

At least 14 persons abducted in the area three weeks ago are still being held in captivity by the terrorists.