TheCable

Eighteen persons have been killed in fresh attacks by bandits on two local governments areas (LGAs) in Kaduna state.

Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner for security and internal affairs, confirmed the killings in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, security agencies reported a sequence of attacks by armed bandits on soft targets in Igabi and Chikun LGAs occurring over the last 48 hours, leading to the death of 18 people.

“According to the reports, Anaba village in Igabi local government area was attacked, with seven residents killed, listed as: Ali Musa, Isa Sharehu, Tijjani Isa, Auwalu Shehu, Hashim Abdullahi, Hassan Saidu, and Umar Rilwanu,” he said.

“Many of the houses in the community were burnt down, along with storehouses and barns. About 20 cows were rustled and a number of poultry slaughtered and carted away.

“Also, Barinje village in Chikun local government area was attacked, with eight persons killed, listed as: Sunday Gwamna, Lawal Jizo, Salha Barau, Sabo Barau, Umaru Barau, Muhammadu Dan Azumi, Zailani Dogara, Jikan Gambo.

“Some residents were abducted, and cattle rustled during the attack. An unspecified number of injured victims are receiving treatment in hospital.

“Regrettably, armed bandits attacked the loosely connected  communities of Kwarten Rigasa, Kwarten Waziri, and Kwarten Shaku in Igabi local government area.

“The bandits reportedly emerged from the Buruku area, and raided the villages in a cattle rustling operation. In the process, one Danjuma Isa from neighboring Ungwan Kanti village was killed, as he made his way on foot to Kwarten Rigasa.

“Similarly, armed bandits invaded Sanhu Makera village, Birnin Yero, Igabi local government area and killed one Yakubu Abdullahi, a farmer in the village.

“In another incident, unknown assailants killed one Maryam Lash Tahir in unusual circumstances, at the Ministerial Pilot Housing Estate, Millennium City, Chikun local government area.”

Aruwan said these attacks on soft targets at Anaba and Barinje villages, followed the killing of several armed bandits via targeted air operations by security forces.

According to the statement, Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, expressed sadness over the killings and sent condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing quick recovery to the injured persons.

The governor also commended the security operatives for their vigorous response and successful missions against bandits in the state.