No fewer than nine persons were reportedly killed by bandits in Kwasam community, Kauru LGA and Gwada community, Igabi LGA both in Kaduna State.
The bandits also reportedly abducted 35 others including a retired Director of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), his brother and the brother’s wife, just as nine people were injured during the attacks.
The retired CBN Director was identified as Zakariya Markus.
The breakdown showed that six persons were killed, five abducted and two injured in Kauru LGA, while three persons were killed, seven injured and 30 others kidnapped in Igabi LGA of the state.
According to sources, the incident occurred penultimate Friday when bandits invaded the community a few minutes after 10 pm.
Sources said the bandits picked two people who, at gun point, led them to the residence of the retired CBN official and abducted him.
A source said: “Bandits moved into his family house, abducted his brother and the brother’s wife.
“Residents rushed out in an attempt to rescue the victims, but the bandits fired at them, killing six and injuring two.
“Those killed include Danmasani Gwaska, Mrs. Giwa John, Kapishi Barmu, Ganya Ubangida, Shigama Salisu and Gani Magawata.
“Those kidnapped include Mr. Zakariya Markus (retired CBN director), Mr. Monday Markus (younger brother of the retired CBN director), Monday Markus’ wife, Mr. Alhamdu Makeri’s son and Baban Fati of Kauru.”
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has pleaded for aggressive military operations against bandits across the state, following the attacks.
The governor also sent his condolences to the families that lost their loved ones.
Governor Uba Sani spoke through the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, at Gwada and Kerawa villages in Igabi LGA, during an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the area, in the company of the Garrison Commander, One Division Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Muhammad Kana, alongside other military commanders and security forces working in the general areas.
The Governors’s representative said: “We are here on behalf of Governor Uba Sani to first of all condole with you over the lives lost in Kerawa and 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 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.
“The delegation had meetings with traditional leaders, led by the Acting District Head of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, as well as religious and community leaders drawn from Dunki, Gwada, Bina, Maraci, Tami, Karshi and Kerawa, where issues critical to the improvement of the security situation were discussed.”
The team is expected to visit, Kajuru and Kauru local government areas. (The Nation)
