Sunday, November 8, 2026

Gunmen kill one, abduct many on Abuja-Kaduna Highway

A Nigerian Army colonel was kidnapped along the route last month.

• November 12, 2020
Abuja-Kaduna highway with Zuma Rock
Abuja-Kaduna highway with Zuma Rock (Credit: Smithsonian Magazine)

Suspected kidnappers have killed a traveler while they abducted many travelers along the notorious Abuja- Kaduna Highway, Daily Trust reported on Thursday.

The Wednesday morning ambush took place near Gadar Malam Mamman, a few kilometres to the highway’s most dangerous kidnapping spot, Rijana. 

It was unclear how many people were killed, or whether or not the abductors have reached the families of victims for ransom. 

A police spokesman did not immediately return multiple requests seeking comments form the Gazette Thursday morning. 

On September 27, Nigerian Army Colonel SB Onifade was abducted along the route near Olam Farms, just a few kilometres to Rijana, the Gazette reported on October 5. The military has yet to provide additional updates around Mr. Onifade’s abduction ever since. 

Travellers have become increasingly fearful to use the Abuja-Kaduna Highway amidst worsening exploits by kidnappers and other violent criminals, which have forced travellers to use rail rather than use the road. The government has faced criticism for being unable to end the perennial insecurity along the route.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

Nigerian Bar Association

States

Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future

The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority

Lagos

Lagos: One dead as truck overturns in Gbagada 

Mr Bakare-Oki warned operators of heavy-duty vehicles and commercial transporters to embrace responsible driving practices.

Anti-Corruption

Adeboye ordered RCCG to return billions in suspected illicit funds traced to church, says EFCC chairman

The EFCC chairman said some wealthy individuals and politicians had been using churches to conceal proceeds of corruption.

Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)

States

BEDC ‌⁠announces salary increase for staff

Mr Lawani expressed regret that the industrial action occurred before the agreed date for concluding negotiations.

Troops

States

Troops ‌⁠ ‍‍⁠rescue 119 civilians, recover eight vehicles in Borno

The report said the operation was conducted by troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion.

UNIMAID

Education

UNIMAID alumni urged to invest in university’s growth, development

Mr Mele said the institution had produced graduates making significant contributions globally.

Sabastine Hon (SDP gubernatorial candidate candidate in Benue)

States

2027: Benue SDP governorship candidate pledges cheaper farm inputs 

The candidate also promised to establish large warehouses and silos to store agricultural produce.