‘Many killed’ as gunmen hit Kaduna again

Many people have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state.

A resident, who confirmed the attack to TheCable, said most of the people affected are from Karmai village in Maro ward of the local government area.
The gunmen dressed in military uniform were said to have invaded the community early Tuesday, shooting people and burning houses.

Another resident said some people in the village attempted to repel the attack but could not withstand the superior fire power of the gunmen.

“The gunmen came this morning, over 100 of them. They were fully dressed in military uniform. Initially our people attempted to repel them, but they couldn’t withstand the superior firepower,” he said.

The source said the attackers also overpowered a team of mobile policemen deployed in the community after the attackers struck.

He said a vehicle of the “Operation Yaki” the state government security outfit that conveyed the mobile policemen to the area was burnt.

“Mobile policemen came but also retreated, one operation Yaki vehicle was burnt by the bandits. Soldiers have been deployed to the community and are engaging them. The fight is still going on.

“Our people have been killed and our houses have been burnt. For now, it is difficult to say how many people have been killed until the situation is calm.”

Danladi Yarima, former president of the Adara Development Association (ADA), described the attack as unfortunate, calling on security agencies to “act fast to stop the destruction of lives and property”.

The Kaduna government has expressed sadness over the fresh killings.

In a statement by Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to Nasir el-Rufai, the governor, the government condemned the recourse to violence.
“The Kaduna State Government has today (Tuesday) received the sad news of renewed attacks in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas,” the statement read.

“The government condemns this recourse to violence, and calls on all communities to support the efforts to restore calm in the area.
“Today, the Kaduna State Government was briefed by security agencies of renewed attacks in Kajuru local government area, and in parts of neighboring Kachia LGA.
“The Kaduna State Government has been assured that the security agencies are working assiduously to contain the situation.
“The Government is saddened by these attacks, condemns the perpetrators and urges all residents of the area to support the security.”

The attacks happened barely two weeks after over 100 people were reportedly killed in Kajuru.