Bandits kill 30, burn houses in Southern Kaduna

Once more, 30 people have been slain and numerous homes have been destroyed in a bandit attack on Runji Village in Kaduna State's Zangon Kataf Local Government Area.

Only three days had passed when eight people were killed by bandits in the Atak'Njei hamlet, which is located in the state's Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, before the most recent attack, which took place at around 10 o'clock on Saturday night.

LEADERSHIP learned from local sources that although vigilant local guards were able to combat the invaders, it took the quick action of military personnel to put an end to the onslaught.

The inhabitants praised the military's quick action, claiming that without it the assailants would have completely destroyed the community.

As Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner for internal security and home affairs for Kaduna State, revealed, Governor Nasir El-Rufai denounced the attack that claimed numerous lives.

Aruwan said, “The military has informed the Kaduna State Government of an attack in Runji village, Zangon Kataf LGA, in which several lives were lost on Saturday night.

“The preliminary report further informed the government that the attack also left some residents injured and an unspecified number of houses burnt down in the community.

“According to the report, troops had a fierce encounter with the attackers and are still in the general area.

“While waiting for a detailed report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who received the preliminary report in the early hours of Sunday, has condemned the killings as unacceptable and unjustifiable.

“The Governor condoled the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“The Kaduna State Government will update the public on the incident as soon as detailed reports are received from the security agencies,” Aruwan said.

On his part, the National President of Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA), Sam Timbuwak Achie, also confirmed that some of the bandits were equally killed by soldiers and some vigilantes who responded promptly to the area and engaged the criminals in a gun battle, adding that the casualty figure would have been higher if not for the intervention of the soldiers.

Source