TheCable

Two persons were said to have been killed, while several others sustained injuries when gunmen invaded Maiguinginya village in Kaduna state.

Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The gunmen were said to have first attacked passengers on the Kaduna-Abuja road on Monday night, but were repelled by soldiers.

However, the bandits reportedly moved to Maiguinginya village in Igabi local government area (LGA) of Kaduna state around 3am on Tuesday, and killed two residents.

The deceased were identified as Nasiru Yahaya and Isah Bature, while two other persons — Magaji Goma and Zurkhalaini Alhassan — were injured as a result of the attack.

“The Kaduna State Government has been informed that troops of the Operation Thunder Strike (OPTS) late Monday night successfully repelled armed bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja Road,” the statement read.

“The armed bandits appeared along the pipeline axis of Kakau general area in an attempt to strike, when troops engaged and repelled them with superior fire power.

“Many of the bandits escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds, having been denied freedom of action.

“When troops cleared the road for traffic, it was discovered that a driver was hit by the bandits who were fleeing the location. Also, two buses ran into a ditch resulting in injuries to some passengers, who were rushed to the hospital by the security operatives.

“Government was also briefed that the armed bandits, in frustration at being denied freedom of action, attacked Maiginginya village in Igabi Local Government Area at around 3am and killed two persons, Nasiru Yahaya and Isah Bature. They also injured the duo of Magaji Goma and Zurkhalaini Alhassan.”

He added that security agencies foiled another attack by bandits along Zaria-Funtua road in Giwa LGA, on Tuesday.

“Two citizens were rescued and rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika. Operatives are still carrying out aggressive patrols in the general area,” Aruwan said.

“The government sent its condolences to the families of the deceased, and prayed for the repose of their souls, while wishing the injured speedy recovery.”

According to the commissioner, the state government is working with relevant security agencies “towards enhancing security of life and property”.