The recent attack in Kahir village, located in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria, has left at least 13 individuals dead and many others abducted. This incident, which occurred at approximately 11:47 p.m. on March 29, 2026, underscores the persistent security challenges faced by the region, particularly from armed groups such as Fulani herdsmen.
Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as the attackers, identified as Fulani herdsmen, arrived in large numbers and began firing indiscriminately. Local resident Shehu Bala recounted, “They came in large numbers and started shooting sporadically. People were running in different directions. Many were hit by bullets.” The attack reportedly lasted for nearly one hour, during which there was no apparent resistance from security forces.
Victims of the attack were subsequently transported to the General Hospital in Kagarko and other medical facilities in Kaduna for treatment. The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed the occurrence of the attack and stated that investigations are currently ongoing. The local government has expressed its commitment to addressing the aftermath of this violence.
In response to the attack, President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence and called on security agencies to enhance their proactive measures in preventing such incidents. He emphasized the importance of acting on early warning intelligence to avert future tragedies. The Kaduna State Government has also prioritized immediate response and engagement with affected communities, indicating a recognition of the urgent need to address the ongoing insecurity.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence in Kaduna State, which has seen numerous attacks attributed to bandits and herdsmen, often targeting Christian communities. The situation has raised concerns about the safety and security of residents in the region, particularly in light of the increasing number of casualties. Reports indicate that over 3,490 Christians were killed in Nigeria from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, highlighting the severity of the ongoing violence.
In a related development, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, was released on temporary bail by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) following the death of his mother. El-Rufai has been under scrutiny for various allegations, including the fraudulent inducement of N11 billion from the Kaduna State government for a light rail project and the dishonest disposal of over $1 million from a World Bank loan. His release has sparked mixed reactions, with his son, Bashir El-Rufai, criticizing the ICPC as a corrupt institution.
As investigations into the Kahir village attack continue, the local community and authorities are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy. The uncertainty surrounding the security situation in Kaduna remains a pressing concern for residents, as they seek answers and solutions to the violence that has plagued their lives. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the casualties and the ongoing response from security agencies.