by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Heavily-armed bandits have reportedly attacked Angwan Gwari in Tudun Wada community of Kujama, Headquarters to Chikun LGA of Kaduna South, in Kaduna State, killing two persons instantly and abducting a dozen others.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday between 12:00am and 2:00am, sparked outrage and panic, as residents scampered for safety amid sporadic gunshots, while some fled the community.
One Sule Adams, from Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, in neighborhood community of Maraban Rido, who confirmed the incident, narrated that the assailants stormed Ungwan Gorah Joseph axis of Tudun Wada Gabas Kujama, where they carried out the operation. According to him, seven of the victims (males and females) abducted are members of the same family.
He identified the kidnapped persons as Mercy Jonathan, Peace Jonathan, Bartholomew Jonathan, Bethel Jonathan, Steven Jonathan, Jonathan Bulus, Nation Jonathan, Jacob Jonathan, Joy Silas, Destiny Silas, Candy Thomas and Saviour Emmanuel, respectively.
Adams further disclosed that two residents, Ayuba Barau and Mary Augustine, lost their lives during the attack by the assailants, who were armed with gunfire.
He described the incident as tragic and a stark reminder of the persistent insecurity facing communities in the area, stressing the urgent need for “intensified security measures.”
He called on security agencies to scale-up patrols and strengthen intelligence gathering to forestall further attacks, while urging governments at all levels to take decisive and lasting action to address the situation.
Adams also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives by providing timely and useful information.
As at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Police Command was yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Additional reported from the community this evening indicated that the bandits, allegedly on a ‘revenge mission,’ came back around and killed scores of persons, and the corpses are deliberately abandoned on roads till tomorrow – when it would be confirmed by government officials, as agreed by the community.