February 24, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel | News Report
Tragedy struck in southern Kaduna after suspected bandits killed a commercial driver and abducted eight travellers during a violent roadside ambush in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack occurred on Saturday evening at Sabon-Kurutu junction when armed men reportedly emerged from nearby bushes and opened fire on a moving passenger vehicle.
Driver Shot Dead In Ambush
Eyewitnesses identified the deceased driver as Joshua Atara, who was said to be transporting passengers from the Hayin-Dam community to Katari when the attackers struck.
A resident of Sabon-Kurutu, Muazu Garba, told reporters that the gunmen deliberately targeted the driver to force the vehicle to stop before carrying out the abduction.
“They shot the driver immediately. After the vehicle stopped, they took the passengers into the bush,” he said.
Eight Passengers Abducted
Community sources confirmed that at least eight travellers were taken away by the attackers, who fled into surrounding forests shortly after the incident.
A local community leader, speaking anonymously, said security agencies were alerted immediately after the attack.
Police Yet To Issue Full Statement
A police source in the area acknowledged that the incident occurred but could not confirm details about the driver’s death at the time of filing this report.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Kaduna State Police Command for official comments were unsuccessful.
Rising Security Concerns
The latest attack adds to growing concerns over persistent banditry and kidnappings along rural highways in parts of Kaduna, where travellers and communities remain vulnerable to armed groups.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as authorities release further details.
