Nine shot dead as ‘bandits’ attack Kaduna communities

Nine people have been shot dead by gunmen suspected to be bandits in separate attacks in Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna state. 

Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, confirmed the killings in a statement issued on Thursday.

Aruwan said six people were shot dead by the suspected bandits, after a barricade was mounted at Dogon Dawa-Kuyello road in Birnin Gwari LGA.

He identified the deceased as Nura Rufai, Sanusi Gajere, Yakubu Labbo, Usman Dangiwa, Alhaji Abdulhamid, and Janaidu Tsalhatu.

Two others — Haruna Dotu and Hamisu Mohammad —were reportedly shot dead at Ungwan Maje in Birnin Gwari LGA.

He added that “armed bandits also attacked Kwama village in Giwa LGA and killed one Nasiru Rufai, after he resisted their attempts to kidnap him.”

According to the commissioner, Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, received the report with sadness, and prayed for the repose of the deceased residents.

He added that the governor has sent his condolences to the bereaved families.

Kaduna state has come under intense attack by bandits in recent times who raid communities, loot, kill and abduct residents.

Meanwhile, 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna, who were abducted on March 11 are yet to be released.