Again Kaduna bandits on the rampage, kill 19, burnt houses

Orgy of killing continued in Kaduna on Saturday with bandits invading two local government areas in the state, killing 19 people and injuring several others.

The attackers also rendered many homeless as they razed several houses.

The attacks happened occurred in Birnin-Gwari and Kajuru local governments, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, said on Sunday.

He said, “On a sad note, the Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agencies of the killing of 19 citizens in Birnin Gwari and Kajuru local government areas of Kaduna Central Senatorial District.

“The citizens were killed by armed bandits at Kutemeshi village in Birnin Gwari and Kujeni village in Kajuru, where several others were left with bullet wounds.”

The commissioner gave the names of those killed at Kutemeshi village of Birnin Gwari LGA as Malam Sani Barume, Yahaya Bello, Amadu Dan Korau, Samaila Niga, Jamilu Haruna, Lawal Majiya, Dan Malam Rabo, Dauda Kafinta, Hassan Mai Makani, Bashir Haruna, Lawal Ali, Mu’azu Haruna and Mai Unguwa Sa’adu as well as Harisu Bako.

He also said some shops were looted with valuable items carted away.

Aruwan added, “Some of the injured have been moved to a neighbouring state closer to Kutemeshi for urgent medical attention, while others are in transit to an orthopedic hospital in Kaduna.

“So far, only the 14 corpses have been recovered from Kutemeshi. The Kaduna State Government will provide updates on any emerging developments.”

Similarly, the commissioner said in Kujeni village of Kajuru LG, the attackers burnt several houses, storehouses with foodstuff, warehouses loaded with building materials, and a church.

He also gave the names of those killed during that attack as Bulus Jatau, Hanatu Emmanuel, Bitrus Tuna, Yohanna Mika, and Monday Ayuba.

He said two people were injured during the attack.

According to him, those injured are Bulus Sambayi and Godwin Yakubu.

He said Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed concern over the renewed attacks and commiserated with the bereaved families.

“The governor who condoled with families that lost their loved ones offered prayers for the repose of their souls and a speedy recovery for the injured.

“He further directed the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency to urgently provide relief materials to the affected communities.

“The government and security agencies are following up on a reported attack on Sunday morning around Kikwari village of Kajuru LGA, and will also provide an update as soon as feedback is received,” the commissioner added.