According to a trader whose relative was among the victims, the bandits mounted a blockade on the road, firing sporadic gunshots and dispossessing travellers of their cash, motorcycles, and other valuables. The trader's relative, Haruna Sadau, was killed in the attack, while another person, Abbas Mohammed, was injured and rushed to the hospital.
The incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Kaduna State government's peace initiative, launched in collaboration with federal agencies. The initiative, known as the "Kaduna Model," aims to address the root causes of insecurity through direct engagement with bandit leaders.
Despite the initiative, critics have expressed concerns over the lack of transparency and the exclusion of victims from the peace process. Governor Uba Sani has defended the approach as a "carrot-and-stick" strategy, insisting that peace must be pursued from a position of strength.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the government's approach to addressing insecurity in the region. While some have praised the government's efforts to engage with bandit leaders, others have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the initiative.