The Kaduna government says 1,192 persons were killed by bandits and other violent groups in the state in 2021.
The data showing the attacks in the state was made available on Tuesday at the presentation of the 2021 annual security report.
The figures were compiled by the state’s ministry of internal security and home affairs.
The fatality figure represents an average of three residents daily in 2021.
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According to the report, the casualties recorded — 1,038 men, 104 women and 50 minors — were as a result of banditry, violent attacks, reprisals and communal clashes.
The report also shows that there was a 27.21 percent increase in deaths, compared to 2020.
In 2021, Kaduna witnessed an increase in banditry, which led to kidnapping, killings and destruction of properties.
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A total of 3,348 victims were also said to have been kidnapped, 13,788 animals rustled, 891 people injured and 45 victims reported to have been raped in 2021.
A review of media reports on 2021 killings by TheCable Index shows that Kaduna is the second least insecure state in Nigeria, while Zamfara tops the list of states.
QUICK POINTS FROM KADUNA:
- Every LGA recorded at least one person killed.
- Every LGA recorded at least one abduction.
- Fifteen LGAs recorded at least one rape occurrence.
- Zangon Kataf, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi LGAs had the highest total number of persons killed.
- The highest number of persons killed in any LGA was 186 — from Zangon Kataf LGA.
- The highest number of persons kidnapped in any LGA was 843 — from Chikun LGA.
- The highest number of persons raped in any LGA was six — from Soba LGA.
- The highest number of animals rustled in any LGA was 5,523 — from Igabi LGA.
KADUNA CENTRAL: EPICENTRE OF KILLINGS
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The state is divided into three senatorial districts – north, south and central. Like 2020, Kaduna central is again the epicentre of killings in the period under review.
Kaduna central accounted for 60.4 percent of the total number of persons killed in 2021 — representing 720 deaths — while Kaduna south recorded 406 deaths, and Kaduna north had 66 deaths.
HOW THE 23 LGAs FARED
Zangon Kataf LGA in the southern part of Kaduna appeared to be the most troubled area as 186 persons were killed, followed by Birnin Gwari LGA with 179 fatalities; Giwa LGA recorded 173 deaths and Chikun LGA had 160.
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| SN | LGA | CASUALTIES | KIDNAP VICTIMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ikara | 6 | 9 |
| 2 | Kubau | 6 | 15 |
| 3 | Kudan | 3 | 8 |
| 4 | Lere | 18 | 16 |
| 5 | Makarfi | 5 | 12 |
| 6 | Sabon Gari | 3 | 13 |
| 7 | Soba | 8 | 10 |
| 8 | Zaria | 17 | 97 |
| 9 | Birnin Gwari | 179 | 657 |
| 10 | Chikun | 160 | 843 |
| 11 | Giwa | 173 | 324 |
| 12 | Igabi | 144 | 625 |
| 13 | Kaduna north | 10 | 1 |
| 14 | Kaduna south | 5 | 8 |
| 15 | Kajuru | 49 | 313 |
| 16 | Jaba | 2 | 1 |
| 17 | Jema’a | 33 | 37 |
| 18 | Kachia | 46 | 230 |
| 19 | Kagarko | 22 | 68 |
| 20 | Kaura | 48 | 6 |
| 21 | Kauru | 59 | 34 |
| 22 | Sanga | 10 | 16 |
| 23 | Zangon Kataf | 186 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 1192 | 3348 | |
‘THE BUSINESS OF BANDITRY’
In the report, the state government highlighted the main sources of revenue for bandits as follows:
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- Ransom for kidnapped hostages.
- Sale of rustled cattle.
- Profit from gun running/arms trade.
- Leasing of weapons to other criminal groups.
- Proceeds from joint operations (mostly kidnappings) with other criminal groups.
- Protection levies imposed on farming communities and individuals.
- Proceeds from commercial motorcycle operators and other businesses set up for local collaborators.
In addition, the bandits are also said to spend their resources on arms and ammunition, food, logistics, medical aid, illicit drugs, payment of informants, among others.
‘309 BANDITS KILLED IN 2021’
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During the period under review, security agencies were said to have killed 309 bandits, especially during aerial strikes on identified bandit enclaves.
Items like two RPG tubes, 66 AK-47 rifles, three AK-49 rifles, one AK-103 rifle, one G3 rifle, one sub-machine gun, 10 pump action rifles, among others, were reportedly recovered during security operations.
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‘MEASURES TAKEN BY STATE TO TACKLE BANDITRY’
The state highlighted some measures taken to address banditry, some of which include: Shutdown of telecommunication services in some LGAs; ban on sale of petroleum products in jerrycans; ban on use of commercial motorcycles; and restricted movement of livestock.
The state government also said it provided material and logistic support to security agencies in the fight against bandits and other violent groups.
Meanwhile, Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, has, on several occasions, kicked against paying ransom, saying bandits deserve death.
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