By Our Reporter
Residents of Danhonu II community in New Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Monday staged a protest against recurring kidnapping incidents following the abduction of seven people by suspected bandits.
The demonstrators marched to the Millennium City Divisional Police Headquarters, blocking the major access road while chanting solidarity songs and demanding urgent security intervention. The victims were members of two families, including Yahaya Yusuf, his wife Latifat, their sons Abdulgafar and Abdulqudus, as well as Mrs Abdulrazak Jimoh and two of her children, whose names were not immediately disclosed.
Rising Insecurity in the Community
According to residents, Sunday’s attack occurred around 11:30pm, carried out by a group of heavily armed bandits. The latest incident brings the total number of kidnappings in Danhonu II to at least 11 within the past few months, generating widespread fear.
Residents allege that non-indigenes are being specifically targeted, raising suspicions of local informants aiding the criminals. One protester, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack: “No fewer than 15 bandits came with AK-47 rifles and abducted about five residents. In the last month alone, more than four people were kidnapped here.”
The Chairman of the Danhonu II Landlords Association, Akoh Salifu, said: “We can no longer live in peace. The pressure from repeated kidnappings has become unbearable. We came to the police to formally register our grievances and demand urgent intervention.”
Security Response and Challenges
Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the abduction and said police responded promptly following a distress call. “Operatives, alongside soldiers, were deployed but arrived late due to poor road access and difficult terrain, allowing the bandits to escape despite an exchange of gunfire,” he explained.
DSP Hassan added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, has visited the community, met with stakeholders, and assured residents that a police outpost may be established in the area to enhance security.
Kaduna’s Kidnap Crisis
Kidnappings have surged across Kaduna State in recent years, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities. According to security reports, banditry in the state often targets vulnerable settlements with poor road access, making timely security response difficult.
The attacks in Danhonu II reflect a wider national challenge, where armed criminal groups exploit logistical and infrastructural gaps. Analysts warn that without sustained security measures, improved community policing, and infrastructure development, abduction incidents are likely to persist, affecting social cohesion and local livelihoods.
The Danhonu II protest highlights growing public frustration and underscores the urgency for coordinated state and federal intervention to tackle banditry in Kaduna and other high-risk areas.