Nine residents have been reported killed in separate attacks in Kauru and Igabi Local Government in Kaduna State.
Thirty-five others, including a retired Director of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his brother and the brother’s wife were abducted by unknown gunmen.
Bandits, also, kidnapped 16 people, including a Catholic Rev. Cletus Baleri, in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State.
It was gathered that the Taraba gunmen, who rode on motorcycles were said to be numbering over 100, attacked Dekko, Lama and Monkin villages in the early hours of Saturday, February 17 and abducted 16 people.
Villagers sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape into the mountains during the gunmen attacks.
The Kauru LGA incident in Kaduna State, which took place in Kwasam community, occurred on Friday night a few minutes after 10pm, as the bandits invaded the community, shooting sporadically.
Residents of the area reported that the bandits picked two people at gunpoint, who led them to the residence of the retired CBN staff and abducted him.
According to them, the bandits again moved to the abducted former CBN director’s family house to abduct his brother and the wife.
When the residents rushed to rescue the victims, the bandits opened fired one them and killed six instantly, while injuring two others.
The residents added that those killed by the bandits included: Danmasanin Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John; Kapishi Barmu; Ganya Ubangida; Shigama Salisu, and Gani Magawata, while those kidnapped included Mr. Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Mr. Monday Markus, Mrs. Monday Markus, Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru.
In the Igabi LGA attack, which happened in Sabon Birni Ward, three persons were killed while 30 were kidnapped by the attackers.
Reacting to the incident, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, ordered an aggressive military operations against bandits across the state following the fresh attacks.
Speaking through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, the Governor said: “We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Sabon Birni Wards in Igabi LGA and also Kwassam, Kurera and Kan Makama communities in Kauru LGA.
“May Almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest, and grant a speedy recovery to the injured. I want to assure you that we are also here for an assessment of the security situation and as you can see, troops are presently carrying out operations in these locations, to which you have attested. The Governor of Kaduna State is not relenting in his efforts, and he is also working towards sustained aggressive military operations in the frontline locations and emerging fronts like Kauru LGA.”
Spokesman of Taraba State Police Command, SP Usman Abdullahi, confirmed the attack on Sunday but said he was waiting for details and actual number of people abducted from the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Zing LGA.
Among those kidnapped are:
- Rev. Cletus Baleri
- Ceto Alfred
- Bege Mark
- Felix Shawulu
- Jacob Bayu
- Anatus Luka
- Timothy Abraham
- Yasida Emmanuel
- Tsaro Solomon
- Oldboy Yohanna
- Rejoice Abraham
- Mercy Cleopas
- James Irimiya
- Bulus Timothy
- Yohanna Linus
- Evelyn Yohanna
