At least six residents abducted by bandits from Kutaho Village in the Southern Kaduna axis of Kaduna State have reportedly been killed in captivity despite the payment of a substantial ransom by members of their community.
Kutaho Village, located in Kagarko Local Government Area, came under attack by bandits on February 9, 2026, during which several residents were kidnapped.
Sources familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the victims were among those abducted during the raid.
Those reportedly killed were identified as Friday Agama, said to have been the first captive executed by the bandits; Kunama Dogo; Monday Tanko; Lami Williams; a man identified only as Pawpaw’s brother; and another captive identified as Catchiest, who sources said died after being subjected to severe punishment by the kidnappers.
According to the sources, two abductees, identified as Williams Ishaya and Iliya Dauda, have regained their freedom and are currently receiving medical treatment in Kachia for injuries and trauma sustained during their captivity.
Two other victims, identified as Shedrack and Daniel Ganga, were also reportedly released and were still on their way home as of the time this report was filed.
Residents of Kutaho described the killings as devastating, saying they occurred despite the community’s efforts to raise a substantial ransom by pooling resources and selling personal belongings in the hope of securing the release of all those abducted.
The incident has renewed concerns over the activities of so-called “repentant bandits” operating in Birnin Gwari and Southern Kaduna, with residents questioning the effectiveness of the government’s rehabilitation policy in the face of continued attacks, kidnappings and killings.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command and other security agencies had yet to officially confirm the reported deaths or provide details of the release of the surviving captives.
Community leaders have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to step up efforts to protect vulnerable communities, rescue victims of banditry, and ensure those responsible for the killings are brought to justice, warning that the persistent attacks continue to devastate rural communities.
(SaharaReporters)