From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Bandits on Saturday killed three persons and injured one in Kajuru local government area of Kaduna State.
This was even as irate youths in the area lynched their kinsman for alleged collaboration with bandits to attack the community.
However, police has swung into action to investigate bandits’ possible collusion with locals in the council area.
A statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said: ‘Security agencies are investigating alleged collaboration with bandits by some locals, during recent disturbing attacks in Kajuru local government area.
‘The sequence of reported attacks began in Ungwan Sha’awa in Kajuru local government area, where armed bandits killed one Ubangida Dogo in his home.
‘According to the report, his son, Jude Ubangida was injured by the bandits and is receiving treatment in hospital.
‘As the bandits withdrew from the village, they also attacked Ungwan Galadima in the same locality and killed one Bulus Gwamna.
‘In Ungwan Gamu along the same trail, one Daniel Danlami was similarly killed by the marauding bandits.
‘Preliminary investigations thereafter suggested that the bandits conducted these attacks with the aid of some local youths. As security agencies probed this further, one such suspect known simply as “Doctor”, from Kujeni village, was swiftly attacked and killed by youths of Maro in revenge.
‘Just before his death, he confessed his involvement in the attack, and named a certain Fidelis Ali, also from Maro, as another accomplice of the bandits. Ali has since been arrested and taken into custody by the police.
‘Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed sadness at the reports of the killings, and sent his sincere condolences the families of the slain, while praying for the repose of their souls.
‘Going further, the governor expressed deep concern over the alleged involvement of local youths, and moreso the lynching of one of the suspects.
‘The governor appealed to citizens to allow investigations proceed and not usurp the process, reminding them that jungle justice is a grievous form of self-help and remains a crime.
‘Security agencies have thus been directed to identify the perpetrators of the lynching for prosecution. Investigations into the incidents are in progress.’