Four killed in reprisal attacks in Kaduna, soldiers deployed in flashpoints

Kaduna government says four persons have been killed in reprisal attacks in the state. 

There have been recurring attacks, especially in the southern part of the state. 

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, in a statement on Sunday said the four persons were killed on Saturday in Zangon-Kataf local government and that troops have been deployed in the area. 

“Troops under the auspices of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) had earlier reported the killing of seven persons at Gora Gan in Zangon Kataf local government and the counter-killing of seven herders at Ungwan Idi and Kasheku of Kauru local government,” he said.  

“An update from the military received on Sunday morning informed the government that following clearance operations at Ungwan Gaiya, Ungwan Gimba and Ungwan Makama of Zangon Kataf local government, three more corpses were recovered, two of which have been identified as follows: 

“Noel Markus (35 years) , Titus Thomas (32), One unidentified herder. Two mobile phones were also recovered. The corpses and other valuables were handed over to the police for further investigation and analyses.

“The military also reported that one citizen was killed in Apimbu village of the same local government. The deceased was identified as 35-year-old Kambai Yohanna.

“The military confirmed that two houses were burnt in the Apimbu attack. In the meantime, troops of the Operation Safe Haven and Special Forces are still carrying out operations in Kauru and Zangon Kataf local government areas.” 

Aruwan said Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, has sent condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and reiterated the need for aggrieved individuals and groups to seek recourse to the law instead of resorting to illegal and violent methods of settling grievances.

He said the governor also commended security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, community leaders and other critical stakeholders who remain committed to the peace building efforts of the government, despite the challenging situation.

Editor’s note: Owing to inaccuracy in the previous report, it has been updated to reflect exactly what was said in the statement by the Kaduna government.