From Noah Ebije Kaduna
Rampaging bandits yesterday killed 23 persons in fresh attacks across five Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
The deadly attacks happened in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi and Kauru LGAs respectively.
However, one bandit was killed as indigenes repelled the attack in Chikun LGA.
A Statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated: “Following the security situation across the state within the last 24 hours, the Kaduna State Government has received reports from security agencies of the killing of 23 citizens in different attacks on soft targets in Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Chikun, Igabi and Kauru LGAs.
“The attacks on soft targets in these local government areas occurred around Kaduna state’s boundaries with neighbouring states.
“In Birnin Gwari LGA, 10 citizens were killed by bandits in an attack on Ungwan Gajere, Kutemeshi ward.Three persons were injured in the attack.
“In Igabi LGA, bandits shot dead one Dayyabu Yahuza, between Sarkin Baka and Dankyawai village, near Gidan Kurmi.In Giwa LGA, armed bandits invaded Janbaba village, one Yakubu Sule was shot dead.In Kishisho village, Kauru ,gunmen suspected to be from a neighboring state killed five persons.
“In Chikun, five citizens were killed by bandits in Gwagwada-Kasaya village in Kunai ward.Similarly, in Agwa, Chikun LGA, one Bitrus Joseph was shot dead in an attack by bandits.
“Also in Chikun , one bandit was killed near Bugai, when members of the community repelled the attack.
“Receiving the reports, Governor Nasir El-Rufai, expressed sadness over the attacks. The Governor, sent his condolences to the families that lost their loved ones. He offered prayers for the repose of the souls of the slain, and a speedy recovery for the injured.
“As of the time of this security update, the air platforms of the Nigerian Air Force are trailing and engaging bandits in some locations in Chikun, Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Igabi LGAs, and citizens will be briefed upon the receipt of operational feedback.
El-Rufai wishes the military success in the ongoing operation as he awaits reports”.