27 feared killed as bandits unleash mayhem in Kaduna community

Gunmen have killed several residents in an attack on Runji community, Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna state.

The gunmen were said to have invaded the community around 10pm on Saturday and opened fire on the villagers, most of whom were asleep.

Some of the victims were said to have been burnt alive as the bandits set houses ablaze.

Samuel Ache, president of the Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA), confirmed the incident.

Ache said 27 people were killed while several others sustained injuries.

TheCable understands that the local vigilantes in the community attempted to engage the attackers, but they were subdued.

The military task force was said to have subsequently intervened and repelled the bandits.

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, spoke on the incident on Sunday but did not state the casualty figure.

The commissioner said “several lives were lost”, adding that preliminary reports indicate that “an unspecified number of houses burnt down”.

“The military has informed the Kaduna State Government of an attack in Runji village, Zangon Kataf LGA, in which several lives were lost on Saturday night,” Aruwan said.

“The preliminary report further informed the government that the attack also left some residents injured and an unspecified number of houses burnt down in the community.

“According to the report, troops had a fierce encounter with the attackers and are still in the general area.

“While waiting for a detailed report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the preliminary report in the early hours of Sunday has condemned the killings as unacceptable and unjustifiable.

“The governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

He said the Kaduna state government will update the public as soon as detailed reports are received from security agencies.

Zangon Kataf LGA, situated in southern Kaduna, has come under relentless bandit attacks in recent months.

A few days ago, eight persons were killed when gunmen attacked Atak’Njei community in the LGA.

The Zangon Kataf local administration council had in March imposed a 24-hour curfew in the LGA after 17 people were killed.