By Kola Adeyemi
Kaduna – Kaduna State government said on Tuesday that 34 persons, including two soldiers were killed by armed bandits that recently attacked some communities in Kaura Local Government area of the state.
The state Commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan made the confirmation in Kaduna while submitting a report on the attacks to Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
According to him, four communities; Tsonje, Agban, Katanga and Kadarko, all within Kagoro Chiefdom of Kaura council area were attacked in the late hours of Sunday, March 20 by yet to be identified armed bandits.
He identified the 32 locals killed during the attacks as
Angelina Aboi , Godiya Iliya , Peace Iliya, Stephen Emmanuel , Patrick Pius, Gwamna Ishaya ,Philip Joseph, Godwin Latong, Aba Chawai , Nancy Luka and Sophia Luka.
Others according Aruwan are Hosea James ,Daniel Sofa , Geoffrey Ado, Bala James , Henry Dauda, Augustine Iliya ,Irmiya Michael ,Murna Luka, Monday Buki ,Reuben Kumai ,Zilien Gudak , Anita Dauda Kawai and Rifkatu Dauda Kawai.
The Commissioner also listed Titi Bawa ,Jacob Yayock , Samuel Ufui ,Silas Bulus ,Victor Ayuka , Jummai Yunana, Sunday Tachio and Hope Luka as other victims of the attacks.
Aruwan disclosed that seven other persons were seriously injured and are currently receiving treatment.
He listed the injured as; Ndau Abba, Mani Luka , Habila Sambo, Ibrahim Daniel, Julius Tachio, Rose Sunday and Sadunga Kamai.
He said one Mrs Abigail Joshua from Adan community is still missing and cannot be accounted for as at the time the report was being compiled.
Aside the killings, the Commissioner said over 200 houses and 32 shops were burnt in the attacks.
“Three vehicles and 17 motorcycles were vandalized,” Aruwan said.
Reacting, Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i condemned the unwarranted attacks on the innocent and defenceless people of Kaura Local Government.
He expressed his grief at the development , and sent condolences to the families of those killed.
The governor prayed for the repose of their souls as he wished the injured a quick recovery.
El-Rufai also condoled the Military high command, and the families of the military personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
The governor then offered prayers for the repose of their souls.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as efforts were being made to stabilize the area.
The governor also enjoined all residents to carefully observe the 24-hour curfew in force in Laura and Ja’ma Local Government’s areas of the state.
“The curfew was declared on the advice of security agencies to prevent the escalation of violence.
“The curfew is therefore essential to urgently stem the tide of violence,” he said. (vitalnews)