No fewer than 32 people have been killed by the bandits in a fresh attack at the Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State.
In a statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan says the bandits launched attack on Sunday at the villages of Dogon Noma, Unguwan Sarki and Unguwan Maikori all in Kajuru communities.
“State Government has received initial reports from security agencies, that bandits attacked the villages of Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area on Sunday.”According to the statement.
The statement explains that the bandits stormed the areas in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.
It says since the attack, security agencies and traditional leaders in the locations have been updating the government on the development.
“As of the time of this report, 32 persons have been confirmed dead following the attack.
According to the statement, the state Government mourned the gruesome killing and burning of houses in the attacked locations, “a report was published suggesting that the victims of the attack were killed by terrorists using a helicopter”
“The Kaduna State Government wishes to make a clarification based on reports received since Sunday. The bandits attacked the first two locations and killed 31 citizens. They then headed into Ungwan Maikori, where they killed one person and burnt some houses”
Air support
It further reveals that, an Air Force helicopter under Operation Whirl Punch dispatched to the area, had earlier scanned the first two locations and sighted burnt houses and properties on fire.
The Statement says the helicopter intercepted the bandits at the last location Ungwan Maikori and engaged them as they retreated, before the arrival of ground troops to the general area.
“It was the arrival of the air asset which deterred the bandits from further attacks on the citizens in the village after the bandits had already killed one local and burnt several houses”
The story that a helicopter provided air support to the bandits against the locals, is therefore an untrue account.
The Government of Kaduna State has gone through all the facts and finds it regrettable that a section of the media would circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order.
The statement maintains that eyewitnesses that peddled reports of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens are invited to present their accounts to the Government-backed with incontrovertible facts.
“The military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserve commendation and motivation, rather than demoralizing allegations”
Similarly, several kidnapped victims, including an expatriate kidnapped at a mining site, were rescued after a fierce engagement with bandits.
Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i, on receiving reports of the attack, expressed deep sadness and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
Aminu Dalhatu
