Bandits attack Kaduna communities, kill ‘eight vigilantes, two village heads’

Bandits have reportedly killed eight vigilantes and two village heads during an attack on Kakangi and Unguwan Matinja communities in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna.

A resident of Kakangi who confirmed the incident said the bandits invaded the communities on Thursday morning.

The resident said the vigilante operatives confronted the bandits in a bid to rescue the abducted residents.

He added that the victims were abducted while on their way to conduct a burial at Kakangi and Sabon Layi villages.

The community source said several bandits were also shot dead during the gun duel that ensued.

“The vigilantes engaged the terrorists, killing scores of them but could not rescue the two traditional rulers and others who were abducted,” the resident said.

“Normally, anytime there is a kidnap incident, the vigilantes always trail the terrorists to rescue the victims.

“It is unfortunate that in the process, eight gallant officers of the vigilantes who have been sacrificing in ensuring the safety of our people were killed.”

The source named the eight vigilante members who lost their lives as Bala Kamba, Abdurrahman Musa (Ubale), Kabiru Dan Dugui, Hambali Abu, Aliyu Abu, Nura Jika (Maleka), Mubarak Musa (Dan Wamba) and Ikra Hantsi.

While the two village heads killed were Christopher Abubakar and Isah Gambo.

When contacted, Mansir Hassan, police spokesperson in Kaduna, promised to verify the incident and revert.

Hassan said the poor mobile telephony network in the communities makes it challenging to get information.