Kaduna – The Kaduna State Government has confirmed Sunday, June 5 killing of 32 persons by bandits in Dogon Noma, Ungwan Sarki and Ungwan Maikori in Kajuru local government area of the state.
Mr Samuel Aruwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed this in a statement in Kaduna on Thursday.
According to the Commissioner, the bandits stormed the area in large numbers on motorcycles, and proceeded to raze several houses, as they attacked and killed locals.
“Since the attack on Sunday, 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,” he said.
Aruwan said Dogon Noma is the worst hit as 29 of its residents were killed by the rampaging bandits.
He identified those killed in the community to include Hajatu Buhari, Nashon Buhari ,Iliya Yaki ,Javan Mairabo ,Jackson Adamu
Nasco Victor ,Dutse Gwamna ,Joshua Amadi, Gona Isah , Douglas Yakubu, Phineas Joel and Tanimu Umaru .
Others are Abody Iliya, Wanzami Halidu, Dogo Aweh, Sunday Shittu, Rejoice Audu, Jedidiah Ayawa, Jinkai Pius,Rebecca Ayafa,Ishaya John, Audu Danladi,Jibo Sule , Yakubu Garba and Williams Danbaba.
Also killed in the community are Ahmadu Musa, Audu Dandaura, Akilu Laya and David Wasika.
He said the duo of Maikasa Kufana and Augustine Bahago were killed at Ungwan Sarki while one resident, Mamiva Maikori was killed at Ungwan Maikori.
All the affected communities are in Kajuru Local Government area in Southern Kaduna.
“While the 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.
“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 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 having gone through all the facts, finds it regrettable that a section of media would circulate an unverified report, insensitive to its implications on national security, law and order.
“Eyewitnesses to the peddled report of a helicopter aiding bandits in the killing of innocent citizens are invited to present their accounts to the Government backed by incontrovertible facts.
“The military, police and other agencies working in the general area deserve commendation and motivation, rather than demoralizing allegations.
“In the last 72 hours, security forces have conducted vigorous operations in the same general area, and are on the trail of a wounded notable terrorist.
“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,”
Aruwan explained (vitalnewsngr.com)
