TheCable

A soldier has been reportedly killed, while a woman and eight children were abducted by gunmen in Milgoma, a community near the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Zaria, Kaduna state.

The gunmen reportedly invaded the community around 9pm on Monday.

They were said to have attacked the residence of Ahmed Buba, identified as a lecturer at the Kaduna State University, and taken away his six children.

The gunmen also reportedly abducted Rabi Isya, identified as the lecturer’s neighbour, and her two children.

According to NAN, the bandits were repelled by soldiers attached to the area, who responded to a distress call from residents.

The attackers were said to have engaged the soldiers in a gun duel, and a military officer reportedly died at the hospital, following injuries sustained during the rescue operation.

“The joint personnel of Kaduna state vigilance service, the military and the police swiftly responded to a distress call,” a source was quoted to have said.

“On sighting the security personnel, the bandits opened fire and in the process killed the soldier.”

Haruna Shika, a resident of the area, however, said the six kidnapped children of the lecturer were rescued on Tuesday, at Kasuwan Da’a in Zaria LGA of the state.

Muhammed Jalige, Kaduna police spokesperson, couldn’t be reached for comment at the time of this report.

The attack comes hours after 12 people were killed on Sunday in Apiyejim village, Atyap chiefdom, also in Zango-Kataf LGA of the state.

TheCable had also reported that suspected bandits, on Monday, abducted Luka Yakusak, priest in charge of St Matthew’s Catholic Church, Anchuna village, Zangon Kataf LGA of the state.