The Abuja-Kaduna highway, a vital artery connecting Nigeria’s capital Abuja to the northwest, witnessed another kidnapping ordeal on Monday night, June 10, 2024.
Scores of passengers were reportedly abducted after bandits opened fire on an 18-seater commercial bus at Bishini Junction, near Katari in Kachia County of Kaduna State.
A resident of Katari confirmed the attack to Daily Trust. According to the eyewitness, the bandits emerged from surrounding bushes at a sharp bend around 9:00 p.m. local time and opened fire at the bus conveying passengers from Abuja to Kaduna.
The bandits shot and deflated the tyres of the bus, which forced the bus to veer off the highway into the bush. They then led all the passengers on board into the forest. Passengers from two other vehicles were also whisked away by the bandits.
The attack happened between Akilbu and Rijana villages along the expressway and lasted for over an hour, despite a military roadblock less than one mile away from the scene of the attack.
The Kaduna State Police Command has yet to confirm the incident. This abduction is a chilling reminder of the ever-present danger on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. The highway has become notorious for kidnappings that resulted in nightmares for travelers. TruthNigeria reporters have advised that the recent attack does not reflect a reduction in highway kidnappings during the previous six months.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
