…One-yr-old among those killed.
…Association condemns killings.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
At least seven persons and a one-year-old baby were reportedly killed, while eight others suffered injuries in an attack by suspected armed bandits on Angwan Rimi community in Kamaru ward, Kauru LG of southern part of Kaduna State.
Local sources confirmed Tuesday that those killed in Sunday night attacks include: Jacob Zaka, 12, Felicia Francis, 30, Margret Mathias, 5, Veronica Paul, 25, Delight Paul, 1, Confidence Yakubu, 15, and Sati Markus, 9-years, respectively.
Those injured and are reportedly receiving treatment at nearby health facilities include: Matthew Sunday, 14, Jethro Istafanus, 7, Jackson Istafanus, 5, Emmanuel Morris, 14, Agatha Sylvester, 9, Joy Markus, 9, Devine Paul, 6 months, and Mary Ishaya,12, respectively.
Residents of Angwan Rimi condemned the attack and described it as “wicked and inhuman,” urging security agencies to bolster protection for vulnerable communities.
“We sympathize with the families of the deceased and pray for the swift recovery of the injured,” said a representative of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Kamaru Branch.
“We call on the Federal Government, Kaduna State Government, and Kauru Local Government to intervene urgently to ensure the safety of lives and property,” they stated.
The IDA assured residents that security operatives have been notified and encouraged calm during the period of mourning.
The attack followed a recent escalation of banditry in Kaduna, highlighted by an August 16 Zagazola report, titled ‘Why Banditry May Be Returning to Kaduna.’
The report is linked to violence of the August 3 assassination of a ‘repentant bandit’ leader, Musa Kachallah, who had embraced peace.
His killing is believed to have triggered retaliatory attacks by bandit groups, who view the state’s amnesty program as insincere or poorly implemented.
Security experts have urged intensified surveillance in high-risk areas, including Chikun, Kauru, Giwa, Makarfi along the Zaria-Kano highway, and Kajuru LGAs. The Kaduna State Government has yet to issue a statement on the recent surge in violence.
Contracted, Kaduna State Police Command spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, was yet to respond before the time of filing these reports.