Kaduna: Bandits kill nine, abduct 35 in two LGAs

Nine persons have been killed and 35 others abducted in Igabi and Kauru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

About nine persons were also said to have been injured during the attacks that occurred in Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru Local Government Area and Kerawa and Sabon Birni communities in Igabi Local Government Area.

A resident of Kwasam, pleaded for anonymity, gave the names of those killed as Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata. This is according to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday.

The source also listed those kidnapped to include a retired Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) director, Zakariya Markus; his brother, Mr Monday Markus and his wife as well as the son of one Alhamdu Makeri and Baban Fati of Kauru.

Sources told Sunday Tribune that the bandits held two people at gunpoint, led them to the residence of the retired CBN staff where they abducted him and his relatives.

“Bandits moved to his family house, abducted his brother and the brother’s wife,” one of the sources said.

Sources also said some of the residents, who came out to rescue the victims, were gunned down by the bandits.

“After the hoodlums left, six people were confirmed dead, two were injured, while five were kidnapped,” the source added.

In a related development, a community leader in Igabi LGA, who wouldn’t want to be mentioned, said three people were killed while 30 persons were kidnapped when bandits attacked Sabon Birni and Kerawa villages, adding that seven persons were injured in the process.

The community leader said “three people were killed, while seven were injured and they’re currently receiving treatment in hospital. I can tell you 30 people were abducted and they’re currently in captivity.”

Reacting to the development, the Kaduna State government condemned the attacks while calling for aggressive military operations in the state.

The government’s reaction was contained in a statement made available to Sunday Tribune on Saturday and signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan.

The commissioner, who was carrying out an on-the-spot assessment in company of the Garrison Commander, One Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Muhammad Kana, military commanders and other security agents working in the affected areas, said, “We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Kerawa and Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA. May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured.

“I want to assure you that we are also here for an assessment of the security situation and as you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested.

“The governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA.”