Panic As Bandits Kill Six, Abduct Scores In Kaduna Communities

Bandits attacked the communities of Kwassam and Sabon Layi Kan Makama in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the death of six residents. Numerous individuals, including a retired director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, were abducted during the incident.

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union confirmed the incident on Saturday, saying no fewer than 50 residents were abducted by the hoodlums.

However, an official statement by the state government through the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, also confirmed the attack but was silent on those killed and abducted in Kauru LGA in Southern Kaduna.

Meanwhile, Governor Uba Sani has condemned the attack and condoled with victims while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state, following attacks in Igabi and Kauru LGAs.

The governor spoke through Aruwan at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, during an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area.

A source told The PUNCH on Saturday that the incident happened on Friday some minutes after 10pm.

It was gathered that the bandits in large numbers, invaded the community,  shot indiscriminately and picked two people at gunpoint who led them to the retired CBN director’s residence where they abducted him.

“The bandits moved to the family house where they also abducted the brother as well as the brother’s wife,” the source said.

Our correspondent learnt that the bandits opened fire on residents who rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, killing six of them on the spot while six sustained gunshot wounds.

Those killed, according to the source, include Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata.

Those kidnapped at Sabon Layi Kan Makama include Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Monday Markus (younger brother to the retired-CBN director), and his wife,  Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru, among others.

Spokesman for SOKAPU, Josiah  Abraks, while confirming the incident in a statement released to newsmen, described the renewed attack as “despicable and condemnable”.

He said, “Information reaching SOKAPU states that terror attacks have taken place yesterday (16/02/24) at Kwassam and Sabon Layin kan Makama both in Kauru Local Government Area.

“At Kwassam about five people were said to have been killed and scores of others kidnapped including a former Assistant Director of the CBN and his younger brother.

“While at Sabon Layin kan Makama about 50 people were said to have been kidnapped. These atrocities continually being visited on citizens of the state are despicable and highly condemnable and we hereby unequivocally condemn the acts and their perpetrators.

“We call on the state government and all relevant authorities not to relent in their good works but to step up and remain steadfast in ensuring the  safety and peace of all law-abiding citizens of the state.”

Meanwhile, Sani condemned the attack and urged the military to be more ruthless against bandits.

He also condoled with the victims’ families, while appealing for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state.

“We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first contact you over the lives lost in Kerawa and Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.

“May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured.

“I want to assure you that we are also here to assess the security situation. As you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested.

“The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA,” Sani, who was represented by Aruwan, said.