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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.

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