Bandits have yet again struck two local government areas (LGAs) in Kaduna state killing about 18 persons. The commissioner for security and internal affairs in the state, Samuel Aruwan, while confirming the attack in a statement on Wednesday said security agencies reported a sequence of attacks by armed bandits on soft targets at Anaba and Barinje villages in Igabi and Chikun LGAs respectively, occurring over the 48 hours, leading to the killing of about 18 persons. Aruwan said, “According to the reports, Anaba village in Igabi local government area was attacked, with seven residents killed, listed as: Ali Musa, Isa Sharehu, Tijjani Isa, Auwalu Shehu, Hashim Abdullahi, Hassan Saidu, and Umar Rilwanu.” “Many of the houses in the community were burnt down, along with storehouses and barns. About 20 cows were rustled and a number of poultry slaughtered and carted away.
“Also, Barinje village in Chikun local government area was attacked, with eight persons killed, listed as: Sunday Gwamna, Lawal Jizo, Salha Barau, Sabo Barau, Umaru Barau, Muhammadu Dan Azumi, Zailani Dogara, Jikan Gambo.
“Some residents were abducted, and cattle rustled during the attack. An unspecified number of injured victims are receiving treatment in the hospital.
“Regrettably, armed bandits attacked the loosely connected communities of Kwarten Rigasa, Kwarten Waziri, and Kwarten Shaku in Igabi local government area.
“The bandits reportedly emerged from the Buruku area and raided the villages in a cattle rustling operation. In the process, one Danjuma Isa from neighboring Ungwan Kanti village was killed, as he made his way on foot to Kwarten Rigasa.
“Similarly, armed bandits invaded Sanhu Makera village, Birnin Yero, Igabi local government area and killed one Yakubu Abdullahi, a farmer in the village.
“In another incident, unknown assailants killed one Maryam Lash Tahir in unusual circumstances, at the Ministerial Pilot Housing Estate, Millennium City, Chikun local government area.”
According to the commissioner, the attacks on these soft targets at Anaba and Barinje villages in Igabi and Chikun LGAs respectively, followed the killing of several armed bandits via targeted air operations.
Airforce personnel had earlier reportedly conducted armed reconnaissance around Anaba village. The crew observed houses on fire and locals migrating to nearby settlements. Some motorbikes were observed with suspicious movements underneath some trees; probing shots were fired at these, leading to the killing of dozens of the bandits.
Bandits in large numbers on motorcycles were sighted on a track leading to Kankomi. They were trailed and engaged by the crew, with scores seen neutralized afterward.
