Gunmen kill student leader, abduct another in Kaduna

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Saturday night attacked motorists on the road linking the Kaduna international airport and Rigasa railway, killing a student union leader named Auwal Rabiu.

They also injured one Umar Bn El-Khatab and another person identified as Sani Digana was reportedly abducted during the attack.

Kaduna State Government, which confirmed the incident, said security operatives repelled the attack and rescued two persons, Sahabi Lawal and Dan Aliko.

The people were said to be in a vehicle when the gunmen fired at them around 9pm on Friday along the Kaduna Airport Link Road to  the Rigasa train station in the Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

A youth leader in Rigasa, Abdul’azeez Madugu, confirmed that the funeral prayer for the dead victim took place around 8am on Saturday at their family home in the area.

He said, “The late Auwal Rabiu was the president of Rigasa Old Students’ Association and the three of them were returning from the Rigachikun area around 9pm when the gunmen opened fire on their vehicle

“Auwal was the one driving and the bullet hit him and died. But Umar El-khatab was shot on the leg, while the third person, Sani, was abducted,” he said.

Madugu said gunmen had always attacked people along the route at night, targeting vehicles.

Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement on Saturday, said, “The security agencies have informed the Kaduna State Government that they repelled armed bandits on Friday night in the Igabi Local Government Area.

“According to the agencies, the armed bandits ambushed troops and security operatives patrolling Rigasa-Link Road at Rugar Bello Junction.

“The operatives rescued two persons, Sahabi Lawal and Dan Aliko, while Sani Khalil is still missing.

“Similarly, the Armoured Personnel Carrier of the police was riddled with bullets. The bandits, who were denied freedom of action, escaped while stray bullets hit two citizens driving from the Mando axis of the Rigasa-Link Road.

“The two citizens were rushed to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, but sadly, one of them, one Rabiu Awwal, died while the second citizen, Umar El-Khattab, is responding to treatment.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai has sent a condolence message to the deceased’s family and offered prayers for the repose of his soul. The governor wishes the citizen recuperating a speedy recovery.

“The governor also commended troops and police personnel that repelled the armed bandits and rescue of two citizens.

“The troops and police are still carrying out aggressive patrols in the general area.

“The government will continue to keep citizens informed of security development.”