Troops repel attack on Kaduna-Zaria highway

The Kaduna government says an attempt by gunmen to attack some communities along the Kaduna-Zaria highway has been repelled by troops.

Confirming the development on Monday, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said the fleeing gunmen suffered “several casualties” and fled after the troops engaged them.

He, however, noted that the gunmen invaded Dunki village after their attack was repelled by troops of 4Demo battalion along the Kaduna-Zaria highway.

Aruwan said three people — Abubakar Sani, Abubakar Saleh, and an unidentified male traveller — were confirmed dead after the attack.

According to the commissioner, the gunmen were sighted moving towards the highway from Sharu village in Kerawa, before they were stopped.

“The troops, acting on credible intelligence on the bandits’ movement, laid an ambush and intercepted them at Lambar Zango and Hawan Kwaranza villages,” Aruwan said in a statement.

“At these locations, the bandits were engaged in a fierce firefight, and suffered several casualties.

“The bandits, having been decisively halted by the troops on these fronts, retreated hastily via another route and in the process attacked Dunki village, where they killed two residents —Abubakar Sani and Abubakar Saleh — and an unidentified male traveler.”

The commissioner added that gunmen also attacked Mashashiya and Farguza villages and stole some livestock and other items.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of the state, prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed.

He also commended the troops for foiling the attack on the highway.