Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

Suspected bandits have attacked a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, killing at least 13 people and abducting an unspecified number of guests.

The incident occurred late Sunday night in Kaduna State when heavily armed assailants reportedly stormed the venue and opened fire on attendees gathered for the celebration.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attackers arrived at about 11:47 p.m., shooting indiscriminately inside the wedding hall and causing widespread panic. A resident, Shehu Bala, said some guests sustained gunshot injuries during the assault.

According to reports, the gunmen operated for nearly an hour without resistance, leaving several casualties in their wake.

Injured victims were initially taken to Kagarko General Hospital, while those with critical injuries were later transferred to medical facilities in Kaduna for advanced treatment.

A community leader confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the attack and have since been buried. He added that efforts are ongoing to ascertain the exact number of those abducted by the assailants.

The attackers were also said to have looted shops within the community, carting away food items, provisions, and drugs from a local chemist during the raid.

“The entire community was thrown into panic due to the heavy gunfire, forcing many residents to flee into nearby bushes,” the community leader said.

Police authorities in Kagarko have confirmed the incident but stated that investigations are still ongoing, particularly regarding the number of abducted victims. The spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Hassan Mansur, also confirmed the attack, noting that a comprehensive report would be released upon conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, alongside a serving senator, visited injured victims receiving treatment at the hospital in Kagarko.

Gunmen Attack Wedding in Kaduna, Kill 13, Abduct Several Guests

MURIC Commends Police, DSS Over Ikorodu Religious Tension

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has praised security agencies for averting a potential religious crisis in Ikorodu, Lagos State, following tensions between Muslim residents and traditional Oro worshippers.

In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, specifically lauded the Divisional Police Officer of Ebute Ipakodo Police Division and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their swift intervention.

The commendation followed an incident last week in which Oro worshippers in Ikorodu West reportedly imposed a curfew restricting movement from 10 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, to 12 noon on Friday, March 27. The restriction, according to MURIC, disrupted normal activities, particularly affecting Muslims observing Friday congregational prayers.

Akintola described the action as “illegal, illegitimate and unconstitutional,” arguing that no group has the authority to impose movement restrictions without the approval of the state government. He maintained that such actions contravene provisions of the Nigerian Constitution guaranteeing freedom of movement and worship.

He further stressed that only a state government, acting on security advice, could lawfully impose a curfew, warning that unilateral actions by any group could trigger a breakdown of law and order.

MURIC also criticised what it described as a pattern of “extremist” conduct by Oro adherents in Ikorodu, contrasting it with what it termed more moderate practices in other parts of Lagos State. The group urged traditional worshippers to exercise restraint and respect the rights of others while practicing their religion.

While affirming the constitutional right of traditionalists to worship, Akintola emphasised that such rights must not infringe on those of other citizens.

The group called on security agencies to remain vigilant, noting alleged threats by Oro worshippers to continue with similar activities. It also appealed to Muslims in Ikorodu and across Lagos State to remain law-abiding and avoid taking matters into their own hands.

MURIC warned that with the country approaching a sensitive election period, any form of unrest could be exploited by elements seeking to destabilise the peace, urging all parties to prioritise dialogue and coexistence.

MURIC Commends Police, DSS Over Ikorodu Religious Tension

Blessing CEO Opens Up on Alleged Domestic Abuse, Explains Reason for Divorce

Nigerian relationship coach and social media personality, Blessing Okoro, has revealed that domestic violence was a major factor behind the collapse of her marriage.

Speaking during an interview on With Chude, Blessing recounted a series of alleged abusive incidents involving her former husband, including claims that she was assaulted shortly before and on the day of their wedding.

According to her, the alleged abuse was not hidden, as it reportedly occurred in the presence of close friends and members of her bridal party. She stated that her chief bridesmaid and others who witnessed the incidents are still available to corroborate her account.

Blessing further alleged that one of the incidents occurred over a domestic disagreement, noting that she was beaten for not carrying out a household task.

Reflecting on the experience, she expressed regret over proceeding with the marriage despite what she described as clear warning signs, adding that her decision at the time has remained a difficult chapter in her life.

The relationship coach’s revelation has since sparked conversations on social media about domestic violence, particularly within intimate relationships, and the importance of recognizing and addressing early signs of abuse.

Blessing CEO Opens Up on Alleged Domestic Abuse, Explains Reason for Divorce