TheCable

Ismaila Isa, garrison commander of the 1 division of the Nigerian army and Agyole Abeh, commissioner of police in the state have relocated to southern Kaduna.

According to the Kaduna state government, they moved into the region to coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jema’a local government areas.

Twenty-one persons were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in the areas.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, has extended his condolence to the families of the victims of the latest attacks, assuring them that his administration is fully committed to securing the area.

El-Rufai added that the two battalions of the army and the 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the duty state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits.

He called for support for the army and the security agencies as they work to “repel attacks and crush the bandits”.

“I have been in touch with the security agencies and I have been studiously following the situation in Jema’a and Kaura local government areas over the unfortunate attacks,” Samuel Aruwan, spokesman of the governor, quoted him as saying.

“I want to, first of all, extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and relations that lost their loved ones and property in these unfortunate attacks. My prayers and support equally goes to citizens that sustained injuries and are traumatised by what they witnessed.

“This is clearly a wicked, evil and devilish act being perpetrated by enemies of peace and humanity.

“I also wish to commend our gallant soldiers and police personnel, who are defending our communities.The Kaduna state government will continue to work assiduously with security agencies towards the protection of life and property.”